Brass Astrolabe by Faḍl ‘Alī
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 18th century (?)
This brass astrolabe is attributed to the maker Faḍl ‘Alī and dated to the early 18th century. The instrument features a broad, Indo-Persian type throne attached to an integrated base, with a simple round-section ring and an omega-shaped shackle.
The mater and limb are constructed from a single piece of brass, and the womb shows evidence of being silvered. The rete is of the foliate single-knob type, featuring 29 stars marked with foliate pointers and a zodiac labeled in Arabic. The back of the instrument is engraved with 11 scales, including altitude, equal hours, zodiacal signs, lunar mansions, and a shadow square. It includes four plates with latitudes ranging from 29° to 40°.
The double-ended alidade is original to the instrument. This object was presented to the collection by Lewis Evans in 1924, having previously been acquired at the 1911 Roussel collection auction.
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
- early 18th century
- Type
- Persian-inscribed astrolabe, Iran
- Maker
- Faḍl ‘Alī
- Provenance
- Evans collection, acquired at Roussel sale 1911
- Acquisition
- Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924
- Throne type
- Indo-Persian, broad
- Place recorded
- Persia
- Rete star count
- 29
- Maker / attribution
- Faḍl ‘Alī
- Place of manufacture
- Persia
Design
- Visible features
- • Broad Indo-Persian style throne embossed with Persian inscriptions • Womb contains a gazetteer with coordinates for 56 cities • Rete features a zodiac inscribed in Arabic script • Alidade is double-ended with single sights and pinholes
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is constructed primarily of brass. The instrument features a broad, Indo-Persian style throne which is attached via an integrated base. This throne is embossed with inscriptions on both the front and the back sides, which include the signature of the maker, Faḍl ‘Alī, and a poetic sentiment regarding the continuity of existence. The mater and the limb are formed from a single-piece construction. A notch is provided in the limb to accept the tabs of the tympan plates. The womb surface shows signs of having been silvered and contains a detailed gazetteer listing coordinates, including longitudes and latitudes for 56 specific cities.
- Provenance and Acquisition
- The instrument was added to the present collection in 1924, when it was presented by Lewis Evans. Prior to this, the astrolabe was part of the Roussel collection based in Paris. The record confirms that the object was purchased at the Roussel collection auction sale on 14 March 1911, specifically identified as lot 205 in the auction catalogue.
- Rete and Calibrated Scales
- The rete is of the foliate, single-knob design and contains 29 stars, each indicated by a foliate pointer. The zodiacal signs are identified in Arabic on the rete. The rete is secured to the instrument using a pin and wedge system. The back of the astrolabe is densely packed with 11 distinct scales. These include circular, concentric scales for altitude, zodiacal signs, and various astrological divisions such as terms, lunar mansions, and faces. Additionally, a shadow square with both feet and finger calibrations is situated in the lower quadrants of the instrument's reverse.
Identification
- Serial number
- 38235
- Inventory number
- 38235
- 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 dating to the early 18th century is provided with a question mark in the source
- Research required: The claim that the womb was silvered is reported as a possibility rather than a confirmed state
- Research required: The source acknowledges the alidade is rather crude in comparison to the rest of the instrument