Brass Astrolabe, ca. 1710

Technical characteristics

Date

ca. 1710

Type

Persian-inscribed astrolabe

Maker

Khalīl Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan ‘Alī

Material

Brass

Decorator

‘Abd al-A'imma

Provenance

Presented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957

Stars on rete

26

Place recorded

Iṣfahān

Place of origin

Iṣfahān

Maker / attribution

Khalīl Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan ‘Alī

Design

Visible features

• Foliate-style rete with star pointers • Intricate foliate engraving on the back and womb • Indo-Persian style scalloped throne with five lobes • Omega-shaped shackle with leaf-decorated tabs

Provenance and History

The astrolabe was presented to the collection by J. A. Billmeir in 1957. Billmeir had acquired the item through the collection of Henri Michel of Brussels, which was purchased around 1950. The instrument carries an inscription identifying its historical context, stating that it was made during the reign of Shah Husain (1694-1722). The inscription specifically notes that the object was commissioned for the Shah's vizier, Mirzā Muḥammad Ṭāhir.

Construction and Design

The astrolabe is constructed primarily of brass and features an Indo-Persian style throne attached to an integrated base. The throne is scalloped, displaying five small lobes and simple scroll work at the base. The instrument utilizes a simple, round cross-section ring and an omega-type shackle, with the ring tabs decorated as leaves. The mater and limb are manufactured as a single-piece construction, with a short inscription located at the bottom of the limb. Inside the mater, a tab is utilized to secure the tympans, diverging from the more common practice of using notches in the mater and tabs on the plates. The instrument is equipped with two plates providing latitude coverage from 29°0' to 36°0'. The double-ended alidade is original and rigid, designed with simple tips and pinholes.

Signature and Decoration

This instrument is recognized for an unusual division of labor between its maker and decorator, a trait associated with a group of Iṣfahān astrolabe makers active during the early 18th century. Separate signatures are present on the piece, attributing the construction to Khalīl Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan ‘Alī and the decorative engraving to ‘Abd al-A'imma. The decoration is described as fine, covering the rim, the back, and the womb. The foliate design extends across these surfaces, surrounding inscriptions. The rete, which is of the foliate or single-knob type, exhibits numerous construction marks on its reverse side. While the rete is aesthetically complex, the east/west bar is described as poorly drawn with misaligned sides.

Identification

Serial number

33739

Inventory number

33739

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.