Iranian astrolabe in the style of 'Abd al-A'imma
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 17th century style
According to Sotheby's, this unsigned Iranian astrolabe is executed in the style of late 17th-century Isfahan instrument-maker 'Abd al-A'imma. The front of the throne is engraved with a cartouche containing the Qur'anic Throne Verse.
The instrument includes five plates serving latitudes 27°, 30°, 31°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 36°, 38°, and 40°, as well as a plate of horizons. The back is fitted with an alidade, shadow scales, a solar quadrant, and a trigonometric quadrant, alongside prominent circular turning markings noted by the cataloguer.
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
- Type
- Planispheric astrolabe
- Plate count
- 5 plates
- Place recorded
- Iran
- Plate latitudes
- 27°, 30°, 31°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 36°, 38°, and 40°
- Reverse markings
- Trigonometric quadrant, solar quadrant, and shadow scales
- Maker attribution
- In the style of 'Abd al-A'imma
- Throne inscription
- Throne Verse from the Qur'an
- Maker / attribution
- 'Abd al-A'imma (attributed style)
Design
- Visible features
- • Front shows a pierced rete with vine-like tracery over engraved latitude markings. • Reverse features a diagonally mounted alidade and concentric turning marks. • Top loop is attached with a suspension ring threaded with red woven cord.
- Identity and Attribution
- This unsigned Iranian planispheric astrolabe is attributed to the late 17th-century Isfahan tradition associated with the instrument-maker 'Abd al-A'imma. The attribution is based on the quality and style of the execution and engraving. The cataloguer notes that the instrument is not a deliberate fake bearing the maker's name, but does not provide further provenance.
- Components and Configuration
- The instrument includes five plates serving the following latitudes: 27°, 30°, 31°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 36°, 38°, and 40°, in addition to a plate of horizons. The front of the throne is engraved with a cartouche featuring the Qur'anic Throne Verse. The horse and pin are replacements. The exterior and one plate show signs of abrasion, pitting, and patination.
- Reverse and Mechanical Observations
- The reverse of the astrolabe is equipped with a trigonometric quadrant, a solar quadrant, and shadow scales. The back of the instrument and the back of the throne display circular markings from severe turning, which reveal a black underlying metal. No explanation for these marks is provided by the source.
Identification
- 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: Instrument is unsigned; attribution to 'Abd al-A'imma is based solely on stylistic analysis.
- Research required: Cataloguer notes the horse and pin are replacements.
- Research required: The back shows severe turning and unexplained circular markings over dark underlying metal.