A QAJAR BRASS ASTROLABE WITH FOUR PLATES
Possibly Isfahan, Early Qajar Iran, dated 1217 AH (1802 AD)

Of typical circular shape, composed of a cast mater surmounted by an elaborately incised cusped arch with rosette scrollwork and a lyrical naskh inscription about daytime on one side, and a pair of birds against vegetal meanders on the reverse, the womb inscribed with the date in Arabic numerals 1217 AH, the instrument fitted with four engraved plates, each marked with stereographic projections for multiple latitudes and city names across Iran and greater Persia; an openwork rete with star pointers as stylised saz leaf scrollwork and arabesque palmettes; an alidade similarly decorated and inscribed; the reverse of the mater bearing trigonometric tables, including solar and shadow tables, and extensive astronomical inscriptions in Arabic, including scientific advice on how to correctly use the astrolabe, retaining the original suspension ring, the craftsmanship, technical accuracy, and date placing this tool within the tradition of Late Safavid and early Qajar scientific instrument making, most notably linked to the cultural centre of Isfahan.

16.5cm diameter

The long inscription on the reverse of the mater reading: If the letter of the stick (ruler / alidade ?) is placed every day on the point of intersection of the sun's orbit and the arc drawn by the city, then one should reduce the height. It goes on referring to the correct measurements related to the Qibla in Mecca.

For further comparables, please see an early Qajar astrolabe made only nine years prior to the present example, dated 1208 AH and signed by Hajji 'Ali in the Royal Museum of Greenwich, London, Inventory No. AST0544; and another Qajar astrolabe sold at Christie's London, 28 October 2020, lot 43.