Brass Astrolabe by Khalīl Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1708/9
This brass astrolabe (inventory 46680) is attributed to the maker Khalīl Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan, dated to 1708/9, and originating from Iṣfahān. The instrument features an Indo-Persian style engraved throne, a simple circular ring, and an omega-type shackle.
The mater and limb are constructed as one piece. It is equipped with five plates covering latitudes from 22° to 43° and a foliate-type rete featuring 22 stars marked with bulb pointers. The back contains a comprehensive set of 14 astronomical and astrological scales, including altitude, azimuth of Qibla, zodiacal signs, and lunar mansions. The assembly includes a double-ended alidade, and the entire unit is secured with an ornate horse and pin.
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
- 1708/9
- Type
- Arabic-inscribed astrolabe
- Maker
- Khalīl Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan
- Place
- Iṣfahān
- Plates
- 5
- Material
- Brass
- Rete stars
- 22
- Acquisition
- 1957
- Place recorded
- Iṣfahān
- Maker / attribution
- Khalīl Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan
Design
- Visible features
- • Indo-Persian engraved throne with floral pattern and inscription • Rete featuring 22 stars with bulb pointers • Back of the instrument includes a shadow square and 14 different scales • Double-ended alidade and original pin with ornate horse
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is constructed from brass, featuring an integrated mater and limb. The throne is categorized as an Indo-Persian engraved type with a Moorish-arch shape, embossed with a floral pattern and inscription. It is attached to a simple, round-section ring and an omega-shaped shackle, the latter of which features an engraved texture on its outer edge. The rete is of the foliate type with a single knob, attached to the instrument with a simple, thick pin and an ornate horse. The rete contains 22 stars, each identified by a bulb pointer. Five plates are provided for the instrument, accommodating latitudes ranging from 22°0' to 43°0'.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The instrument bears a signature on the back which translates to 'Muhammad Khalil made this'. The astrolabe has a documented provenance through the collection of Henri Michel of Brussels, which was acquired by J. A. Billmeir around 1950. The object was presented to the History of Science Museum by J. A. Billmeir in 1957 and assigned the accession number 1957-84/9.
- Astronomical and Astrological Features
- The back of the instrument hosts 14 distinct scales, including altitude, azimuth of the Qibla, declination, a shadow square, and various astrological divisions such as lunar mansions, triplicities, and zodiacal signs. A gazetteer on the womb provides coordinate data for 44 cities, including Mecca, Iṣfahan, and Lahore. The alidade is double-ended, rigid, and original to the piece, featuring pinholes and scales for sine/cosine measurements and unequal hours.
Identification
- Reference
- 46680
- Inventory number
- 46680
- 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 provenance is stated to be through Henri Michel, but exact early history remains undocumented
- Research required: Construction marks on the back of the rete indicate potential technical adjustments during manufacture