Islamic Engraved Brass Astrolabe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th c.
This Islamic astrolabe is catalogued as a 19th-century scientific instrument of natural patinated bronze or engraved brass, tentatively attributed to Iran. The mater rim is engraved with minute symbols and holds stacked engraved plates beneath an openwork rete and a central alidade bar with sighting vanes.
The reverse is recorded as being engraved with symbols of the zodiac. Surmounting the mater is a lobed throne featuring Arabic engraving and an attached suspension ring hook. Overall dimensions are catalogued as 7.5 inches high by 5.5 inches wide.
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
- Scientific instrument
- Material
- Natural patinated bronze
- Dimensions
- 7.5"h x 5.5"w
- Place recorded
- Iran (possibly)
- Attributed Date
- 19th c.
- Throne Engraving
- Engraved in Arabic
- Attributed Origin
- Possibly Iran
- Reverse Engraving
- Symbols of the zodiac
Design
- Visible features
- • Openwork rete with scrollwork shapes and pointers positioned over an underlying plate • Pivoting graduated alidade arm mounted with pin and raised sighting pinholes • Lobed throne at the top bearing inscribed script and a circular suspension ring
- Construction and Componentry
- The assembly features a mater with an engraved rim containing minute symbols. It includes stacked engraved plates held beneath an openwork rete and a pivoting alidade arm. The structure is surmounted by a lobed throne featuring Arabic engraving and a circular suspension ring hook.
- Documentation and Dimensions
- The auction description notes the reverse is engraved with symbols of the zodiac; this area is not visible in the provided photographic record. The overall physical dimensions are catalogued as 7.5 inches high by 5.5 inches wide.
- Object Identity and Attribution
- The item is described as a 19th-century scientific instrument, with origin tentatively attributed to Iran. Auction documentation refers to the construction material as both 'brass' in the title and 'natural patinated bronze' in the lot description. The condition is recorded by the auction house as 'good,' noting a burnished patina and white deposits within the crevices.
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: Attribution to Iran is tentative ('possibly Iran') and maker is unspecified
- Research required: Material is stated as 'brass' in the title but 'natural patinated bronze' in the body text
- Research required: The reverse side described with zodiac symbols is not visible in the provided photo