Astrolabe Catalogue

The front of the throne of this astrolabe by the Persian astrolabist 'Abd al-A'imma is decorated, as are many of the large thrones of Persian astrolabes, with an embossed calligraphic inscription. This would usually be a verse from the Qur'an, or sometimes the maker's signature or dedication. In this case it is the short phrase يا صادق الوعد (O Thou, true to promise). It is a sacred invocation, but was perhaps chosen for its aptness to some secular situation too. No source has been found for the expression, but it appears also in a contemporary poetical and biographical anthology by Muhammad Amin ibn Fadlallah al-Muhibbi (1651-1699), entitled Nafhat al-rayhana wa-rashhat tila’ al-hanah.

Many of 'Abd al-A'imma's finely decorated astrolabes were made for wealthy and high-ranking patrons. This one was made for Rustam Khān Dunbalī, a courtier of the shah of Persia, as a further embossed inscription in a more unusual place - all around the edge of the instrument - records (see additional images).

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