Brass Astrolabe by Muḥammad Mahdī
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1660
This brass astrolabe (inventory number 45581) is attributed to the maker Muḥammad Mahdī and dates to approximately 1660. The instrument features an Indo-Persian pierced-style throne with an integrated base, a simple round ring, and an omega-type shackle.
The mater and limb are constructed as one piece, with the limb featuring a 0-360 degree scale marked at five-degree intervals and an inscription listing the twelve Shiite Imams. The reverse is decorated with an embossed foliate pattern and includes an altitude scale, a shadow square, and a cartouche with an inscription regarding the purpose of the engraving. The rete is of the foliate single-knob type, and the instrument is supplied with five plates covering latitudes between 22 and 45 degrees.
It is held in the collection of the History of Science Museum, Oxford, having been 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
- Alidade
- Double-ended and not original
- Material
- Brass
- Signature
- Embellished by Muḥammad Mahdī al-Yazdī
- Provenance
- Presented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957
- Inscription
- List of twelve Shiite Imams on limb
- Place recorded
- Persia
- Maker / attribution
- Muḥammad Mahdī
Design
- Visible features
- • Throne is pierced Indo-Persian type with integrated base • Rete is of foliate single-knob type • Rule appears to be a later replacement lacking decorative elements • Omega-shaped shackle attached to a simple round ring
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is crafted primarily from brass, featuring a pierced, Indo-Persian style throne. This component is fitted with an integrated base and supports a simple ring with a round cross-section, which connects to an omega-shaped shackle. The main body consists of the mater and limb constructed as a single unit. The limb is marked with a degree scale spanning 0 to 360 degrees, partitioned into five-degree increments. The instrument's rete is of the foliate single-knob design, while the accompanying five plates provide latitude coverage ranging from 22 to 45 degrees.
- Components and Provenance
- The astrolabe includes an alidade, which has been identified as a later replacement. This is based on the absence of both decorative elements and standard astronomical scales, which contrast with the finish on the original components. The astrolabe was acquired by the History of Science Museum in 1957 as a gift from J. A. Billmeir, who had previously acquired the object during the period 1955-1957. Prior to Billmeir's ownership, the instrument was held in the collection of Henri Michel in Brussels.
- Inscriptions and Signatures
- The instrument is highly inscribed. The limb carries a detailed inscription around its edge that lists the twelve Shiite Imams, beginning with Muḥammad and concluding with the hidden Imam, Muḥammad al-Mahdī. On the back of the instrument, a cartouche positioned beneath the shadow square contains the phrase regarding the aim of the engraving. The maker's signature, "Embellished by Muḥammad Mahdī al-Yazdī," is found along the bottom edge of the back.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 45581
- 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: Rule is identified as a likely later replacement
- Research required: The 'families' inscription on the limb is marked with a question mark in the source documentation