Astrolabe by Muḥammad Mahdī, ca. 1660
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1660
This brass astrolabe, inventory number 46886, is attributed to the maker Muḥammad Mahdī and dated to approximately 1660. The instrument features an Indo-Persian type engraved throne with an integrated base, attached to a simple, round cross-section silver ring via an eye-bolt type brass shackle.
The mater and limb are constructed from one piece of brass. The back of the instrument contains 16 scales, including those for altitude, declination, the azimuth of the Qibla, sine/cosine, and lunar mansions. It is signed in a cartouche: "Embellished by Muḥammad Mahdī son of Muḥammad Amīn al-Yazdī." The rete is of a foliate, single-knob design without marked stars. The instrument includes six plates with latitudes ranging from 22° to 66° and a double-ended alidade.
It was acquired by the History of Science Museum after being presented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957.
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
- Date
- ca. 1660
- Type
- Arabic-inscribed astrolabe, Iran
- Maker
- Muḥammad Mahdī
- Place
- Persia
- Material
- Brass
- Signature
- Muḥammad Mahdī son of Muḥammad Amīn al-Yazdī
- Provenance
- Presented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957
- Throne style
- Indo-Persian, engraved
- Place recorded
- Persia
- Maker / attribution
- Muḥammad Mahdī
Design
- Visible features
- • The compass needle on the throne is shaped like a bird. • The rete features elaborate foliate cutwork. • The shackle pivots on a pin affixed to the throne. • The back contains a prominent shadow square and triplicities box.
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is crafted primarily from brass, featuring an Indo-Persian style throne that is engraved and attached via an integrated base. The suspension system consists of a simple silver ring with a round cross-section, connected to the throne by an eye-bolt shackle that pivots on a pin. The mater and limb are fashioned as a single piece, with the tympan tab positioned at the bottom, 180 degrees from the throne. The rete is designed with complex foliate patterns and a single knob, though it lacks individual star markings. It is secured using a simple, undecorated pin and horse mechanism. The instrument includes six separate plates, providing coverage for latitudes ranging from 22 to 66 degrees. A double-ended, rigid alidade completes the set of components.
- Inscriptions and Markings
- The astrolabe is extensively inscribed with both functional and decorative text. The front throne area displays an ornate, embossed Qur'anic verse. On the back, the instrument is signed by the maker in a cartouche, identifying him as Muḥammad Mahdī, the son of Muḥammad Amīn al-Yazdī. Additionally, an inscription at the bottom edge conveys the maker's sentiment regarding the longevity of his work. The back surface is highly detailed, containing 16 distinct scales, such as those for the Azimuth of Qibla, sine/cosine, and zodiacal signs. These are arranged in concentric circles or arcs within the various quadrants. The limb is also engraved with a degree scale, numbered every 5 degrees, which occupies the outer circular edge of the instrument.
- Provenance and Acquisition
- The object was acquired by the History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, through a presentation by J. A. Billmeir in 1957. The instrument is recorded under the accession number 1957-84/162. Prior to its arrival at the museum, the astrolabe was part of the Chadenat collection. It was purchased by Billmeir during a public auction held at the Hotel Drouot in Paris on May 24, 1956. Charles Chadenat, the previous owner, was recognized as a collector and dealer based in Paris.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 46886
- 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: The exact reading of the inscriptions marked as [along edge] and [along tropic of capricorn] remains pending.
- Research required: The star names, mediation, and declination on the rete are not currently marked or measured.