AN ENGRAVED BRASS CELESTIAL GLOBE WITH CONSTELLATIONS
Possibly Lahore or Lucknow, Northern India, 19th century

Of spherical shape, finely engraved with Arabic inscriptions denoting constellations and Zodiac signs like Gemini, Leo, and Pisces, featuring a learned man flanked by two angels whilst reading a book, divided into celestial coordinates with meridian and equatorial rings, mounted on a tripod stand with an equatorial ring engraved with Arabic letters.

81.5cm circumference and 29.5cm high including the stand

Brass was a favoured material for scientific instruments, especially celestial globes, thanks to its durability, malleability, and resistance to corrosion, allowing artisans to engrave detailed star maps and celestial coordinates with precision. Its smooth surface and ability to maintain a polished finish over time made it ideal for long-lasting use in scientific instruments.