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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Isfahan, Persia · Dates not established

'Abd al-'Ali

Partially verified

Maker of Persian astrolabes

Life & work

The instrument-maker 'Abd al-'Ali was a prominent figure within the Isfahan group of craftspeople during the late Safavid era.

He trained as one of four students under the renowned mathematician Muhammad Baqir Yazdi alongside other notable makers. He frequently collaborated with the engraver Muhammad Baqir, who often applied decorative work to his instruments. Their joint productions are recognized for their technical quality, including intricate rete designs and detailed geographical gazetteers.

The pair achieved significant acclaim for crafting a monumental astrolabe commissioned for Shah Husayn.

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

  • He incorporated advanced geographical data on his instruments, including the distances and directions to Mecca.

Documented works

  • A monumental astrolabe made for Shah Husayn is currently held in the British Museum 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

No firm, model or movement in this encyclopedia is yet recorded under this maker's name.

In the object catalogue

3 catalogued objects are recorded under 'Abd al-'Ali. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.

  • Front view of the astrolabe showing the rete, replacement horse, and engraved throne.
  • Full view of the astrolabe showing the rete, mater, and throne details.
  • Front view of the brass astrolabe (inventory 40330) showing the rete and throne.

Sources & references

  1. Astrolabe report (inventory number 37940), History of Science Museum, Oxford, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  2. AN PERSIAN ASTROLABE BY 'ABD AL-'ALI, WITH ENGRAVING BY MUHAMMAD BAQIR, ISFAHAN, Undated, circa 1680-1700 | Christie's, Christie's, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)

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