Brass Astrolabe by 'Abd al-'Ali
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1707/8 (A.H. 1119)
This brass planispheric astrolabe, inventory number 40330, is attributed to the maker 'Abd al-'Ali and dated 1707/8 (A.H. 1119). Constructed in Persia, the instrument features an Indo-Persian style engraved throne with an integrated base, embossed on the front with a Qur'anic verse.
The mater and limb are of one-piece construction. The rete is of the foliate single-knob type, featuring star markings and an inscription of the date 1119 A.H. The back of the instrument is equipped with 16 distinct scales, including altitude, declination, and a shadow square, alongside the maker's signature. The assembly includes five latitude plates ranging from 22° to 41° and a double-ended alidade. The device was presented to the History of Science Museum by Lewis Evans in 1924, having been purchased from a London dealer in 1921.
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
- 1707/8 (A.H. 1119)
- Type
- Arabic-inscribed astrolabe, Iran
- Maker
- 'Abd al-'Ali
- Dealer
- S. G. Fenton
- Materials
- Brass
- Provenance
- Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924
- Place recorded
- Persia
- Place of origin
- Persia
- Maker / attribution
- 'Abd al-'Ali
Design
- Visible features
- • Indo-Persian style throne with Qur'anic inscription • Foliate rete design with single knob • Double-ended alidade with bent sighting vane • Integral mater and limb construction
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is composed of brass, featuring an Indo-Persian style engraved throne with an integrated base. The front of the throne is embossed with a Qur'anic quotation: 'His throne extends over the heavens and the earth.' The back displays a foliate decorative design. The mater and limb are constructed as a single piece, with a tab provided at the base for securing the tympans. The rete is of the foliate single-knob style and includes a zodiacal labels. The instrument is held together by a pin and horse assembly. A simple ring with a round cross-section is attached to an omega-shaped shackle, facilitating the suspension of the device.
- Back Scales and Calibration
- The back of the astrolabe is highly complex, featuring 16 different scales arranged in quadrants. These include altitude, declination, the azimuth of the Qibla, sine/cosine, and cotangent scales. The instrument also provides zodiacal signs, lunar mansions, and a shadow square for calculations. These markings are organized into concentric circular patterns. The shadow square is divided into feet and fingers sections.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The object was acquired by the History of Science Museum in Oxford as part of a donation from Lewis Evans in 1924. Records indicate that Evans previously purchased the instrument from S. G. Fenton, a dealer based in London, in 1921. The astrolabe is assigned the inventory number 40330 in the museum's catalogue.
Identification
- Serial number
- 40330
- Inventory Number
- 40330
- 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: Specific star identification beyond Deneb remains unverified
- Research required: Full range of latitudinal plate functionality and original state of plates not independently confirmed