Lot 129: A QAJAR ENGRAVED BRASS PLANISPHERIC ASTROLABE, PERSIA, 19TH CENTURY

A Qajar planispheric astrolabe constructed from cast and engraved brass. The instrument is a complete assembly comprising a mater, four interchangeable plates, a rete, an alidade, and fastening components. The mater features a decoratively pierced throne known as a kursi, which is integrated with a shackle and a circular suspension ring. The interior floor of the mater is engraved with a geographical gazetteer, listing various cities alongside their respective longitudes and latitudes in Arabic script. The outer rim, or limb, is graduated in degrees. The four double-sided brass plates, or tympana, are engraved with altitude circles, azimuth lines, and horizons calculated for specific latitudes. The rete is an openwork map of the heavens, featuring a zodiacal circle and multiple hooked pointers representing prominent stars, each identified by an engraved name in Arabic. The sighting alidade is a flat brass rule with two perpendicular sighting vanes. The assembly is secured by a central brass pin and a decorative wedge, commonly referred to as the horse. The reverse of the mater is extensively engraved with mathematical and astronomical scales, including a shadow square and trigonometric tables.

L: 15cm