Lot 179: A PERSIAN ENGRAVED BRASS PLANISPHERIC ASTROLABE, 19TH - 20TH CENTURY

This planispheric astrolabe is constructed of cast and engraved brass with a dark, aged patina. The instrument consists of a main body known as a mater, topped with a decorative suspension throne or kursi. The obverse features a removable pierced rete with pointers for various stars and a central hole for an assembly pin. The instrument is extensively engraved with calligraphic inscriptions in Arabic script following the circumference of the limb and the interior plates. The outer limb is graduated with degree scales and alphanumeric characters. The reverse of the mater features several engraved scales, including a shadow square in the lower half and a quadrant with radiating lines, likely a sine or prayer-time scale, in the upper half. The design and script are characteristic of the scientific instrument traditions of the Islamic world, specifically reflecting designs common in Persian or North African examples from the 18th century through to 19th or early 20th-century revivals. A large suspension ring is attached to the decorative throne, along with a brass chain terminating in a small pointed metal pin.

L: 16.5cm