Lot 168: AN INDO-PERSIAN ENGRAVED BRASS PLANISPHERIC ASTROLABE, 19TH CENTURY

The instrument consists of several interlocking components including the mater, a single plate, a rete, an alidade, and fastening hardware. The mater is formed with a deep rim and an integrally cast throne known as a kursi, which features symmetrical pierced foliate and floral openwork. The rim or limbus is engraved with a degree scale and Arabic characters. It is fitted with a swivel shackle and a large circular suspension ring for vertical orientation. The reverse of the mater is engraved with multiple astronomical and astrological scales, including a quadrant with a sine and cosine grid and a shadow square. A dense block of formal Arabic script, executed in a naskh or thuluth style, is incised on the lower portion of the back, containing what appears to be a dedication or maker’s signature. The internal brass plate, or tympanum, is engraved with almucantar circles, azimuth lines, and seasonal hour curves corresponding to a specific latitude. The rete is a decorative openwork star map with multiple pointers indicating the positions of prominent stars and an ecliptic circle divided into the twelve zodiac signs, each labelled in Arabic. The double-ended sighting rule, or alidade, is engraved with further scales and features two upright sighting vanes. The entire assembly is held together by a central brass pin and a decorative wedge in the form of a horse, known as a faras.

L: 25cm