'Abd al-A'imma Gilt-Brass Astrolabe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1715-1716
This gilt-brass astrolabe, preserved in the Caird Collection at the National Maritime Museum under ID AST0545, was created by the prolific maker 'Abd al-A'imma.
It bears a construction date inscription 'fi sanat 1128' (AH 1128 / approximately 1715–1716 AD) located above the central hole. Cast in one piece with the mater and rim, the throne features an excerpt from Koranic verse II, 255 engraved on its front. The source records that the mater contains a 58-locality gazetteer in concentric rings, alongside five plates calculated for latitudes 30º to 40º. Its openwork rete exhibits curvilinear tracery aligned symmetrically about the meridian.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Astrolabe
- Maker
- al-A'imma, 'Abd
- Date Made
- 1715-1716
- Materials
- Gilt-brass
- Measurements
- Overall: 23 x 240 x 160 mm; Diameter: 161 mm
- Date Inscription
- fi sanat 1128 (approx. 1715-16 AD)
- Museum Object ID
- AST0545
- Maker / attribution
- 'Abd al-A'imma
- Signature Translation
- Made by 'Abd al-A'imma, needy of the blessings of his Lord, the All-Sufficient
Design
- Visible features
- • Braided silvery textile cord with a fringed tassel looped through the suspension shackle • Openwork rete with curvilinear tracery and star pointers positioned over an underlying engraved plate • Throne and rim profusely engraved with Arabic inscriptions and circular scales • Central pin and horse securing the assembly at the centre
- Dating and Attribution
- An inscription located above the central hole reads 'fi sanat 1128', which is interpreted as AH 1128 (approximately 1715–1716 AD). The reverse of the instrument includes a double shadow square and a signature cartouche: 'Made by 'Abd al-A'imma, needy of the blessings of his Lord, the All-Sufficient'. The engraving style on the reverse is noted to follow the late-Safavid tradition.
- Construction and Identity
- This gilt-brass instrument (AST0545) is attributed to 'Abd al-A'imma. The throne, mater, and rim are cast as a single piece. The front of the throne is engraved with an excerpt from Koranic verse II, 255. The assembly includes a shackle and rim described as plain. A silvery cord, which may be original, is looped through the suspension shackle.
- Gazetteer and Plate Configuration
- The mater contains a 58-locality gazetteer arranged in concentric rings, including entries for Mecca, Kabul, Kashmir, and Damascus. Five plates are provided, calibrated for latitudes between 30º and 40º. The rete design consists of thin stems in a curvilinear pattern, arranged symmetrically around the meridian.
Identification
- Reference
- AST0545
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Late-Safavid artistic style is cited by the museum description, though no manufacturing country is formally catalogued
- Research required: The signature cartouche and double shadow square on the reverse are noted in the catalogue text but not shown in this front view