Ayyubid brass astrolabe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1227/8 (A.H. 625)
This brass astrolabe is attributed to the maker ‘Abd al-Karīm al-Miṣrī and dates to 1227/8 (A.H. 625). It was commissioned by the Ayyubid ruler al-Malik al-Ashraf Mūsā, nephew of Saladin.
The instrument is distinguished by gold and silver damascene inlay, including an extensive honorific inscription for the sultan around the front rim. The back features thirteen scales, including a unique set of pictorial representations of the lunar mansions, which are linked to astral magic traditions. The instrument comprises a mater with an integrated base, an Indo-Persian type throne, a simple circular ring, and an omega-type shackle.
It includes three plates covering various latitudes. The assembly is secured by a pin with a flower-shaped head and an accurate horse figure.
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
- 1227/8 (A.H. 625)
- Type
- Arabic-inscribed astrolabe
- Maker
- ‘Abd al-Karīm al-Miṣrī
- Material
- Brass
- Provenance
- Lewis Evans
- Modifications
- 15th-century rete repair
- Place recorded
- Cairo (?)
- Commissioned for
- Al-Malik al-Ashraf Mūsā
- Maker / attribution
- ‘Abd al-Karīm al-Miṣrī
Design
- Visible features
- • Front rim features an inlaid gold inscription containing thirty honorific titles. • Back of the instrument contains 13 distinct circular and quadrant scales. • Rete is of the foliate type with 29 stars represented by pointers. • Alidade is double-ended with silver-inlaid decorative tips.
- Construction and Decoration
- The astrolabe is constructed of brass and is finished with extensive gold and silver damascene work. The throne, described as an Indo-Persian type, is attached to the mater via an integrated base and features foliate damascene decoration. The suspension system consists of a simple ring with a round cross-section and an omega-shaped shackle with triangular tabs. The front of the instrument is dominated by the mater and a limb of one-piece construction. A long inscription naming the patron, the Ayyubid ruler al-Malik al-Ashraf Mūsā, is inlaid in gold around the front rim. The alidade is double-ended and original to the instrument, featuring silver inlay at both tips and scales measuring feet and fingers on the fiducial edge.
- Provenance and Modifications
- The astrolabe was presented to the History of Science Museum by Lewis Evans in 1924. Documentation indicates that the instrument underwent modifications or repairs to the rete in the early 15th century, possibly while in Persia. The original commission is linked to the Ayyubid sultan al-Malik al-Ashraf Mūsā. While the maker is identified as Egyptian (al-Miṣrī), the source notes the possibility that he may have been working in Damascus, a center known for the specific metal-inlaying techniques observed on this instrument.
- Scales and Technical Features
- The back of the astrolabe is complex, containing 13 distinct scales including zodiacal signs, terms, faces, triplicities, and calendar markings. It also incorporates altitude scales, a cotangent scale, and a shadow square. A notable feature is the set of pictorial lunar mansions found on the back. These representations are considered unique and are associated with astral magic traditions of the period. The instrument includes three plates that accommodate various latitudes ranging from 30° to 66°. The rete is of a foliate design and currently contains 29 stars, although some of its original material is missing. The central pin and horse are present, with the pin head shaped to resemble a flower and the horse rendered with high detail.
Identification
- Serial number
- 37148
- Inventory number
- 37148
- 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 place of manufacture is listed as Cairo (?), indicating uncertainty.
- Research required: The rete horizontal bar bears a date suggesting it may have been modified or replaced in the 15th century.