+
-
Astrolabe
This astrolabe is a modern fake that has spuriously been signed 'Hajji Mahdi Yazdi' on the back. The name is a fusion of the well-known Muhammad Mahdi Yazdi and Hajji 'Ali.
The throne is high and elegantly pierced in a style reminiscent of Lahore astrolabes (see AST0579). Otherwise, the elements of this astrolabe are borrowed from the Safavid tradition. The mater contains a poorly engraved gazetteer for 43 localities, which is barely legible, and the rete, with 21 star pointers, is also very poorly executed. There are five plates engraved on thick sheets of metal, none of which show astronomically correct markings.
The throne is high and elegantly pierced in a style reminiscent of Lahore astrolabes (see AST0579). Otherwise, the elements of this astrolabe are borrowed from the Safavid tradition. The mater contains a poorly engraved gazetteer for 43 localities, which is barely legible, and the rete, with 21 star pointers, is also very poorly executed. There are five plates engraved on thick sheets of metal, none of which show astronomically correct markings.
For more information about using images from our Collection, please contact RMG Images.
Object Details
| ID: | AST0551 |
|---|---|
| Collection: | Astronomical and navigational instruments |
| Type: | Astrolabe |
| Display location: | Display - ROG |
| Creator: | al-Yazdi, Muhammad Mahdi; Unknown |
| Date made: | circa 1930 |
| Credit: | National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection |
| Measurements: | Overall: 22 x 150 x 87 mm; Diameter: 87 mm |