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Muhsin ibn Muhammad
Estimate
40,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description
- A RARE SMALL BRASS PERSIAN ASTROLABECIRCA 1780 (A.H. 1194)
- DIAMETER 93 MM
• the astrolabe rete is symmetrically patterned with scrolling tracery and a straight east-west bar, further marked with twenty-seven named stars represented by star pointer in the form of birds and flowing leafage, signed Muhsin ibn Muhammad, Ali ash-Sharif al Kirmani- 'may their sins be pardoned' circa 1780
• the ecliptic is divided to 6o with named signs, open work kursi (throne), the top inlaid with a turquoise disc and decoratively engraved and cast in one piece with the mater, further suspended from an engraved pierced shackle, a suspension ring tied with an ilaqa plaited from multi-color cord, the limb engraved with degree scale of 360o reading to 1o in groups of five, each numeral is enclosed within an arched background
• the mater is engraved with thirty-eight towns with latitude, longitude and inhiraf, the upper-left quadrant is a scale of degrees 0o-90o surrounding a graph of horizontal lines drawn from every fifth degree of the scale of the limb and overlayed with a sexagesimal sinegraph with radial lines, the upper right quadrant is engraved with a scale of degrees 90o-0o surrounds a single shadow square of twelve divisions each divided to five, the limb of the lower quadrant carry a scale of co-tangents used for a direct reading of the length of shadow of a vertical gnomon in a horizontal plane and with astrological tables, with short alidade of straight bar form, horse-form faras
• the four plates show almucantars drawn for 6o and separated by later pink paper buffers
The plates are:
a. for latitudes 34 oand 36o
b. for latitudes 38o and 40o
c. for latitudes 32o and 30o
d. for latitude 22o and with a tablet of horizons
with the exception of the horizon tablet each is also engraved below the horizon with an unequal-hour scale, azimuth lines, and an equal-hour scale reading 1-12 from the west side of the instrument
• the ecliptic is divided to 6o with named signs, open work kursi (throne), the top inlaid with a turquoise disc and decoratively engraved and cast in one piece with the mater, further suspended from an engraved pierced shackle, a suspension ring tied with an ilaqa plaited from multi-color cord, the limb engraved with degree scale of 360o reading to 1o in groups of five, each numeral is enclosed within an arched background
• the mater is engraved with thirty-eight towns with latitude, longitude and inhiraf, the upper-left quadrant is a scale of degrees 0o-90o surrounding a graph of horizontal lines drawn from every fifth degree of the scale of the limb and overlayed with a sexagesimal sinegraph with radial lines, the upper right quadrant is engraved with a scale of degrees 90o-0o surrounds a single shadow square of twelve divisions each divided to five, the limb of the lower quadrant carry a scale of co-tangents used for a direct reading of the length of shadow of a vertical gnomon in a horizontal plane and with astrological tables, with short alidade of straight bar form, horse-form faras
• the four plates show almucantars drawn for 6o and separated by later pink paper buffers
The plates are:
a. for latitudes 34 oand 36o
b. for latitudes 38o and 40o
c. for latitudes 32o and 30o
d. for latitude 22o and with a tablet of horizons
with the exception of the horizon tablet each is also engraved below the horizon with an unequal-hour scale, azimuth lines, and an equal-hour scale reading 1-12 from the west side of the instrument
Provenance
Time Museum Inventory No. 1436
Bahari Collection
Alain Brieux, Paris IC/CCA no. 3521. Brieux-Maddison, MHMD MHSN AL 1
Literature
Turner, A. J., The Time Museum Time Measuring Instruments: Astrolabes, cat. no. 7, pp. 92-94, figs. 71-75, and back cover.
Condition
There is an inscription that has been removed in the center of the back. The pin and its screw head are both of a different color. The quality of the engraving is of the highest level.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.
Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.
Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."
Catalogue Note
Another astrolabe with the signature of Muhsin ibn Muhammad is known and was in the Chadenat Collection, exhibited in 1936 in the Musée des Arts Decoratifs, Paris.
For further information regarding this astrolabe, see the full description in the literature cited above.