19th Jun, 2025 12:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
189
A BRASS QIBLA COMPASS CASE
Possibly Iran or Iraq, late 19th – early 20th century
A BRASS QIBLA COMPASS CASE
Possibly Iran or Iraq, late 19th – early 20th century
A circular brass compass case, finely engraved with concentric registers of Arabic inscriptions and numerals around a delicately cut floral-form compass rose. The central plaque features an eight-lobed medallion supporting a magnetized needle, enclosed under original glass. The lid and underside bear intricate concentric bands filled with inscriptions, including directional and astrological notations—likely referencing the 28 lunar mansions (manāzil al-qamar), zodiac signs (burūj), or qibla orientation markers.
6.5cm diameter
Sold for £369
A BRASS QIBLA COMPASS CASE
Possibly Iran or Iraq, late 19th – early 20th century
A circular brass compass case, finely engraved with concentric registers of Arabic inscriptions and numerals around a delicately cut floral-form compass rose. The central plaque features an eight-lobed medallion supporting a magnetized needle, enclosed under original glass. The lid and underside bear intricate concentric bands filled with inscriptions, including directional and astrological notations—likely referencing the 28 lunar mansions (manāzil al-qamar), zodiac signs (burūj), or qibla orientation markers.
6.5cm diameter
Auction: Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, 19th Jun, 2025
Our specialist auction Arts of India and the Islamic Lands is now online for you to browse, peruse and fall in love with your next antique.
Among the highlights, this sale vaunts a remarkable selection of Rajput Schools paintings and an illustrated loose folio from a Timurid Haft Paykar series, all part of a private Canadian collection; several gem-studded Indian necklaces, treasured heirlooms of a local family; a notable group of Islamic manuscripts, including a geomantic tome attributed to the Nubian alchemist Dhul-Nun al-Misri; and several lots of Persian Qajar lacquer belonging to the heir of a British diplomatic family in office under Sir Denis Wright in Tehran between 1971 - 1973.
Our selected lots preview starts next week, on Tuesday 3rd June, and the full view is going to take place from Friday 13th June until the sale day.
Mark your calendars and come to see us!
Viewing
Viewing:
13th June - 10:00 - 17:00
14th June - 11:00 - 16:00
15th June - 11:00 - 16:00
16th June - 10:00 - 17:00
17th June - 10:00 - 17:00
18th June - 10:00 - 17:00
