Source catalogue · individual objects
Object Catalogue
Individual objects described by auction houses, specialist dealers and collection catalogues. Attribution, dates and specifications remain source-reported unless independently established; rights clearance is pending.
Browse makers and their key pieces · ‘Abd al-A’imma profile
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Tool · Astrolabe
'Abd al-A'imma Gilt-Brass Astrolabe
This gilt-brass astrolabe, preserved in the Caird Collection at the National Maritime Museum under ID AST0545, was created by the prolific maker 'Abd al-A'imma. It bears a construction date inscription 'fi sanat 1128' (AH 1128 / approximately 1715–1716 AD) located above the central hole. Cast in one piece with the mater and rim, the throne features an excerpt from Koranic verse II, 255 engraved on its front. The source records that the mater contains a 58-locality gazetteer in concentric rings, alongside five plates calculated for latitudes 30º to 40º. Its openwork rete exhibits curvilinear tracery aligned symmetrically about the meridian.
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www.rmg.co.uk
Tool · Astrolabe
Iranian astrolabe in the style of 'Abd al-A'imma
According to Sotheby's, this unsigned Iranian astrolabe is executed in the style of late 17th-century Isfahan instrument-maker 'Abd al-A'imma. The front of the throne is engraved with a cartouche containing the Qur'anic Throne Verse. The instrument includes five plates serving latitudes 27°, 30°, 31°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 36°, 38°, and 40°, as well as a plate of horizons. The back is fitted with an alidade, shadow scales, a solar quadrant, and a trigonometric quadrant, alongside prominent circular turning markings noted by the cataloguer.
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www.sothebys.com · 190
Tool · Astrolabe
Brass Astrolabe by 'Abd al-A'imma
This brass astrolabe, catalogued as inventory number 40744, is attributed to the maker ‘Abd al-A’imma and dates to 1712/13 (A.H. 1124). The instrument features a one-piece mater and limb construction with an Indo-Persian style engraved throne. The back includes nine distinct scales, including shadow squares and sine/cosine calculations, with the maker's signature housed in a cartouche beneath the shadow square. The rete is of the foliate type, and the central pin is set with a turquoise stone. A calligraphic dedication on the throne identifies the original owner as Isma'īl Bey, the Jabbādār-bashī or director of the arsenal under the Shah of Persia. Acquired by the History of Science Museum through a presentation by Lewis Evans in 1924, the piece reflects the working standards of the early 18th-century Iṣfahān school, noted for its precise astronomical utility, intentionally rendered with a plainer finish than other works by the same maker.
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www.mhs.ox.ac.uk · 40744
Tool · Astrolabe
Astrolabe by 'Abd al-A'imma
This brass astrolabe, inventory number 46681, was produced in Iṣfahān and dated 1132 A.H. (1719/20). The instrument is signed by the maker It was commissioned for ‘Alīqulī, a prince of the royal Safavid family. The device features an indo-persian style throne with an integrated base, an omega-type shackle, and a plain, double-ended alidade. The mater and limb are constructed as a single unit. The back surface accommodates 16 distinct scales, including altitude, sine/cosine, and cotangent, alongside a shadow square. A rete of the foliate type is attached via a pin and horse assembly. The instrument was donated to the History of Science Museum, Oxford, by J. A. Billmeir in 1957, following its acquisition from the Parisian dealer Nicolas Landau.
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www.mhs.ox.ac.uk · 1957-84/167
Tool · Astrolabe
Astrolabe by 'Abd al-A'imma
This early 18th-century brass astrolabe is attributed to the maker 'Abd al-A'imma of Iṣfahān. The instrument features a one-piece mater and limb construction with a degree scale on the limb. The throne is of the indo-persian engraved type, featuring an integrated base embossed with an ornate foliate design, a round cross-section ring, and an omega-type shackle. The back of the instrument contains 16 distinct scales, including altitude, sine/cosine, cotangent, and shadow squares, alongside a serial number reading 'Opus twenty-four' and the maker's signature in a cartouche. The rete is of the foliate type and currently lacks star pointers. It is held by a simple, recent replacement nut and bolt. The instrument includes four plates with latitudes ranging from 29° to 37° and a gazetteer containing coordinates for 32 cities.
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www.mhs.ox.ac.uk · 43739