Planispheric Astrolabe, dated 1065 AH/1654–55 CE
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
dated 1065 AH/1654–55 CE
This planispheric astrolabe is attributed by the source to Mashhad, Iran, and was produced by Muhammad Zaman al-Munajjim al-Asturlabi, bearing a date of 1065 AH (1654–55 CE).
Fabricated from cast, hammered, pierced, and engraved brass and steel, the instrument measures 8 1/2 inches in height. According to the source, astrolabes of this size served for telling time and determining astrological house positions rather than precise observational astronomy. The pierced brass rete features calligraphic script that the source translates as 'In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.'
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
- dated 1065 AH/1654–55 CE
- Type
- Astrolabe
- Maker
- Muhammad Zaman al-Munajjim al-Asturlabi
- Medium
- Brass and steel; cast and hammered, pierced and engraved
- Geography
- Attributed to Iran, Mashhad
- Dimensions
- H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm) W. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm) D. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
- Place recorded
- Iran
- Maker / attribution
- Muhammad Zaman al-Munajjim al-Asturlabi
Design
- Visible features
- • Pierced calligraphic rete mounted over the engraved plate within the circular mater. • Pointed, multi-lobed suspension throne topped by a shackle and suspension ring. • Central steel pin and wedge fastening the front components.
- Attribution and Dating
- The instrument is attributed to the maker Muhammad Zaman al-Munajjim al-Asturlabi, who was active from 1643 to 1689. The piece bears a date of 1065 AH (1654–55 CE). The geographic origin is attributed to Mashhad, Iran.
- Construction and Morphology
- This planispheric astrolabe is composed of brass and steel, fabricated using casting, hammering, piercing, and engraving techniques. The instrument consists of a circular mater containing an engraved plate and a pierced rete. The assembly includes a central steel pin and wedge. The upper portion of the instrument features a pointed, multi-lobed suspension throne, which is equipped with a shackle and suspension ring.
- Decorative and Functional Elements
- The rete includes calligraphic script that reads, "In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate" (bismallah al-Rahman al-Rahim). The faceplate is noted as being typical of Safavid-period astrolabes. Regarding its utility, the source states that astrolabes of this size were not intended for precise astronomical observation, but were used for timekeeping and by astrologers to determine the positions of planets relative to astrological houses.
Identification
- Reference
- 63.166a–j
- Object Number
- 63.166a–j
- 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 source records the geographic origin as attributed to Mashhad, Iran, rather than definitive.