ISLAMIC, INDIAN & ANCIENT ART
Lot 74:
Description
An important Islamic brass astrolabe, signed by Ahmad bin al-Kilani al-Halabi and dated 927 Hijri (1521 CE), originating from Aleppo. This finely crafted scientific instrument consists of a mater with a pierced throne, retaining its original suspension ring. The front is engraved with a rete of delicately cut pointers for the brightest stars, rotating over a series of interchangeable plates (tympans), each engraved with stereographic projections calibrated for different latitudes. The back is densely inscribed with sine quadrants, shadow squares, and astrological markings, making the instrument suitable for use in both astronomy and astrology, as well as timekeeping and determining qibla. The astrolabe bears a clear inscription of the maker’s name and date, placing it in the early 16th century Ottoman-Syrian context, when Aleppo was a major centre for Islamic scientific production.
L: 23cm
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