Indo-Persian Astrolabe by Qā’im Muḥammad ibn ‘Īsa
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1634/5 (A.H. 1044)
This brass astrolabe, inventory number 42730, was produced in Lahore in 1634/5 (A.H. 1044) by the maker Qā’im Muḥammad ibn ‘Īsa. It features an Indo-Persian, pierced-type throne with foliate engraving and an integrated base, attached to a simple, squared-section ring and trefoil shackle.
The instrument is constructed with a one-piece mater and limb. It includes seven double-sided plates covering a range of latitudes from 23°0' to 66°0', some of which contain composite latitude data. The rete is of the foliate type without stars and incorporates a central 'ship' motif; its back bears the maker's signature. The back of the instrument is engraved with 19 distinct scales, including those for altitude, cotangent, zodiacal signs, lunar mansions, and a shadow square.
The instrument is equipped with a double-ended alidade. It was presented to the collection by Lewis Evans in 1924, having been acquired from London dealer S. G. Fenton 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
- 1634/5 (A.H. 1044)
- Type
- Arabic-inscribed astrolabe, Indian subcontinent
- Maker
- Qā’im Muḥammad ibn ‘Īsa
- Material
- Brass
- Provenance
- Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924
- Latitude Range
- 23°0' to 66°0'
- Place recorded
- Lahore
- Rete decoration
- Contains a ship in the centre
- Maker / attribution
- Qā’im Muḥammad ibn ‘Īsa
Design
- Rete and Plates
- The rete is of the foliate, plain type and is notable for the inclusion of a 'ship' motif positioned in the centre. It does not contain any stars. The zodiacal signs are inscribed in Arabic on the frame. The rete is secured to the main body using an undecorated pin and wedge. The instrument includes seven double-sided plates, which provide a broad geographical range of latitudes extending from 23°0' to 66°0'. The plates are designed with varying configurations, including instances where a pair of latitudes is contained on a single face, such as those for the equator and the pole.
- Visible features
- • Pierced-type throne featuring foliate engraving • One-piece construction for the mater and limb • Central ship motif incorporated into the rete design • Undecorated pin and wedge attachment mechanism
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is constructed of brass and follows an Indo-Persian aesthetic, specifically regarding its throne and shackle. The throne is a pierced-type component integrated into the base of the instrument and features detailed foliate engravings. The suspension is facilitated by a simple, squared cross-section ring and an open trefoil-type shackle. The main body, consisting of the mater and the limb, is manufactured as a one-piece construction. A tab for securing the tympans is located at the bottom of the limb, positioned 180 degrees from the throne. The scale on the limb is a degree scale marked every 5 degrees.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The astrolabe was acquired by the History of Science Museum in Oxford following its presentation by Lewis Evans in 1924. Records indicate that Evans previously purchased the object from the London dealer S. G. Fenton in 1921. The piece is fully documented with a signature on the back of the rete identifying the maker as Qā’im Muḥammad ibn ‘Īsa, who titles himself as the imperial astrolabist of Lahore.
Identification
- Reference
- 42730
- 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 translation of the maker's lineage mentions Allāhdād (or: Ilāhdād) as a possibility
- Research required: Specific function of the central ship motif remains contextually dependent on tympan usage