Safavid Brass Astrolabe Plate
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1712 (Sha'ban 1124 (Sep-Oct 1712))
This circular engraved copper-alloy plate belongs to an astrolabe catalogued as museum number OA+.369 at the British Museum. The complete instrument was produced in Iran in 1712 (Sha'ban 1124) during the Safavid dynasty and was named in an inscription for Shah Sultan Husayn.
According to the museum, the full astrolabe comprises seven latitude plates, a rete referencing sixty-three stars, and a mater inscribed with a gazetteer of 103 cities. The instrument entered the collection as a bequest from Sir Hans Sloane in 1753. Curator notes observe that its substantial dimensions suggest it was intended for conspicuous display rather than practical use.
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
- 1712 (Sha'ban 1124 (Sep-Oct 1712))
- Type
- Astrolabe
- Materials
- copper alloy, silver
- Technique
- engraved, inlaid
- Acquisition
- Bequeathed by Sir Hans Sloane, 1753
- Museum Number
- OA+.369
- Place recorded
- Iran
- Associated Name
- Shah Sultan Husayn
- Culture / Period
- Safavid dynasty
- Production Place
- Made in: Iran
Design
- Visible features
- • Circular engraved copper-alloy disc with a central circular piercing. • A small rectangular locating notch is visible at the bottom outer rim. • Fine projection arcs, concentric curves, and engraved Arabic script occupy the face. • The metal surface shows slight mottling, patination, and circular machining or burnishing marks.
- Object Identity and Provenance
- This object is a circular plate originating from an astrolabe (museum number OA+.369) held in the British Museum. The instrument was produced in Iran during the Safavid dynasty, with a date recorded as 1712 (Sha'ban 1124). The complete astrolabe was bequeathed to the museum by Sir Hans Sloane in 1753. Curator notes state that the substantial size and weight of the instrument suggest it was intended for conspicuous ostentation rather than use.
- Inscriptions and Royal Attribution
- The astrolabe bears a calligraphic inscription in Arabic script. This inscription explicitly names the royal patron, Shah Sultan Husayn. The text praises the patron and records the instrument's completion in Sha'ban 1124.
- Construction and Technical Features
- The object is a circular engraved copper-alloy plate. It features a central circular piercing and a small rectangular locating notch at the bottom outer rim. The surface displays engraving and silver inlay. Observations of the plate note the presence of fine projection arcs, concentric curves, and Arabic script. The metal surface shows patination, mottling, and circular machining or burnishing marks.
Identification
- Reference
- OA+.369
- 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 image depicts a single latitude plate rather than the complete astrolabe assembly.
- Research required: The maker of the instrument is not recorded in the source text.