Date | 1712/13 (A.H. 1124) |
Maker | ‘Abd al-A’imma |
Place | Iṣfahān |
Material | Brass |
Inventory no. | 40744 |
Acquisition | Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924 |
A calligraphic inscription on the front of the throne of this astrolabe records that it was made for Isma'īl Bey, the jabbādār-bashī (director of the arsenal) and 'high-ranking confidante' of the shah of Persia. The inscription ends with the numbers 001 and 124. The first element is unexplained, possibly just a space filler. The second is the date 1124, as other dates with the thousand omitted show. This is 1712/13 A.D. The maker of the astrolabe, the famous 'Abd al-A'imma, was working in the first twenty years of the 18th century.
'Abd al-A'imma's astrolabes remained so sought after in his native Persia that many later imitations and forgeries were made. The forgeries bear false dates following the maker's signature. 'Abd al-A'imma's genuine products (of which this is a fine example) are characterized by their astronomical correctness and by the fact that his signature (in this case in a beautiful cartouche beneath the shadow square on the back) seldom includes a date. Instead, as here, several of his astrolabes are dated in their dedication or ownership inscriptions.
The most distinctive and easily imitated feature of 'Abd al-A'imma's work was its density of decoration and calligraphy. The back of this astrolabe is an exception to that rule. Presumably the jabbādār-bashī was a serious man of science who required a plainer working instrument. He signalled his wealth and rank, however, by having a precious turquoise set into the pin.
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Mater
The mater and limb are of one-piece construction. The tab that holds the plates in place is located at the bottom of the instrument, i.e., 180° from the throne. Scales on the limb: degree scale. More informationBack
The back contains 9 scales of the following types: Altitude; Lunar position; Sine/Cosine; Cotangent; Shadow square. The back is inscribed: with a maker's signature marked as صنعه عبد الائمة المحتاج ٳلى رحمة ربه الغني (Made by ʿAbd al-Aʾimmah, who needs the mercy of his Lord, the self-sufficient.). Inscription in cartouche below shadow square. More informationRete, Pin & Horse
The rete contains 0 stars. The zodiac on the rete is labelled: حمل , ثور , جوزا , سرطان , اسد , سنبله , ميزان , عقرب , قوس , جدي , دلو , حوت.The rete contains 1 scale of the following type: Ecliptic.
The rete is attached using a pin & horse. The top of the pin is decorated with turquoise. More information