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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Iṣfahān, Persia (Iran) · Dates not established

‘Abd al-A’imma

Partially verified

Maker of catalogued arabic-inscribed astrolabe, persian-inscribed astrolabe

Life & work

‘Abd al-A’imma was a prominent astrolabe maker based in Iṣfahān during the early 18th century, though little biographical information regarding his life survives.

He operated within a workshop or network of related makers in Iṣfahān, often collaborating with colleagues such as Khalil Muhammad to engrave or decorate instruments. His career coincided with a period of stability and affluence under the Safavid dynasty, during which he produced instruments for royal princes and wealthy dignitaries. The maker's legacy is defined by a high degree of standardization in both workshop methods and astrolabe design, which made his brand a target for later historical forgeries.

The fuller biography summarises the open references listed under Sources; each statement was checked against the cited passage. Confirm key dates in period documents before relying on them.

Training, contributions & innovations

  • The maker standardized astrolabe design and workshop methods during the height of the Safavid period.

Documented works

  • The Victoria and Albert Museum houses a dismantled astrolabe made by the craftsman in 1715.
  • The Smithsonian Institution maintains a planispheric astrolabe acquired from the Samuel V. Hoffman collection.

Collecting significance

The catalogued pieces listed on this page show the kinds of objects auction houses, dealers and museums attribute to this maker; each attribution is the source's own.

Firms, key models & movements

In the object catalogue

5 catalogued objects are recorded under ‘Abd al-A’imma. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.

  • Front view of the gilt-brass astrolabe AST0545, displaying the rete, engraved limb, throne, and suspension cord
  • Front view of the astrolabe showing the mater, limb, and rete, with visible star pointers present on the rete.
  • Astrolabe by 'Abd al-A'imma (1719/20) with foliate rete and engraved throne.
  • A brass astrolabe, inventory 40744, made in Iṣfahān, 1712/13 (A.H. 1124) by 'Abd al-A'imma.
  • Front and back views of the Iranian planispheric astrolabe with rete, alidade, and suspension cord

Sources & references

  1. Astrolabe Catalogue, History of Science Museum, Oxford, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  2. Astrolabes, iPhones and Fakery - Inside MHS Oxford, History of Science Museum, Oxford, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  3. Astrolabe | Abd al-A'immah | V&A Explore The Collections, Victoria and Albert Museum, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  4. Persian Planispheric Astrolabe, Smithsonian Institution, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.