Astrolabe by 'Abd al-'Alī

Technical characteristics

Date

early 18th century

Type

Arabic-inscribed astrolabe, Iran

Maker

'Abd al-'Alī

Place

Persia

Material

Brass

Signature

'Abd al-'Ali

Place recorded

Persia

Maker / attribution

'Abd al-'Alī

Design

Visible features

• Engraved Qur'anic verse on the throne • Replacement rete lacking central strapwork • Custom-made elongated horse (inventory 85861) • Gazetteer within the womb containing 27 city coordinates

Construction and Design

The astrolabe is constructed of brass and features an engraved Indo-Persian style throne attached via an integrated base. The instrument's ring is a simple round cross-section piece, held by an omega-shaped shackle. The front of the throne is embossed with a Qur'anic verse, while the back displays a foliate decorative pattern. The mater and limb are integrated as a single-piece construction, with the tympan tab located at the base, 180 degrees from the throne. The instrument includes four plates providing coverage for latitudes ranging from 22° to 39°. The interior of the womb serves as a geographical gazetteer, providing coordinates including longitude, latitude, and specific orientation data for 27 cities, ranging from Iṣfahan to Qandahar.

Modifications and Replacements

Several components of the astrolabe are identified as later replacements. Consequently, it cannot pivot at the center and is held by a specialized, elongated pin and horse assembly. The alidade is also identified as a double-ended replacement. These parts are considered contemporary with one another, though they post-date the original manufacturing of the instrument.

Astronomical Scales and Functions

The reverse side of the astrolabe is highly complex, featuring 16 separate scales used for astronomical calculations. These include circular, concentric scales for altitude and cotangent readings, as well as specific arcs for declination, the azimuth of the Qibla, and the altitude of the noon sun. Additionally, the back includes inner box and circular scales for zodiacal signs, lunar mansions, faces, triplicities, and shadow squares. The shadow squares are calibrated in both feet and fingers to assist in height and distance calculations. The maker's signature, reading 'Abd al-'Alī, is inscribed directly onto the back of the instrument.

Identification

Serial number

36247

Inventory number

36247

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.