This type of sundial or scaphe dial, has ancient origins. Dials made in this way bear hour lines engraved on the wall of the cup, on which the shadow of a protruding gnomon gives the time at the moment of observation.
The cup is equipped with an elegant moulded lid and has a support protruding from its upper rim, intended to house a compass which is now missing. The compass allowed the correct orientation of the instrument.
This dial was present in the Medici collections from 1574.
