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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Iṣfahān, Not recorded · Dates not established

Khalīl Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan ‘Alī

Partially verified

Astrolabist

Life & work

Khalīl Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan ‘Alī was a prominent maker of astrolabes active in Iṣfahān during the early 18th century.

He frequently practiced a division of labor, collaborating with specialized decorative engravers such as Muḥammad Bāqir and ‘Abd al-A'imma to enhance his instruments. His manufacturing process involved precise mathematical calculations, notably seen in how he divided the ecliptic as if it were inclined by 23.5 degrees. The aesthetic quality of his work is often highlighted by intricate engravings, such as the Quranic 'Ayat Al-Kursi' found on his brass instruments.

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 is noted for his collaborative practice with other craftsmen to ensure fine decorative engraving on the back, womb, and rim of his instruments.

Documented works

  • A brass astrolabe crafted by the maker around 1700 is held in the collection of the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford.

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

5 catalogued objects are recorded under Khalīl Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan ‘Alī. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.

  • The obverse of the astrolabe (inventory 35313), showing the replacement rete and the pin and horse assembly.
  • Front view of the brass astrolabe (inventory 50987), showing the rete, throne, and suspension cord.
  • Full view of the brass astrolabe with rete, alidade, and attached decorative cord.
  • Front view of the brass astrolabe (inventory 33739) showing the rete, throne, and degree scale.
  • Front view of the Safavid silver-inlaid brass astrolabe showing the rete, mater rim, rule, and suspension throne

Sources & references

  1. Astrolabe report (inventory number 33739), History of Science Museum, Oxford, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  2. Astrolabe Catalogue, History of Science Museum, Oxford, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  3. My favourite object: an Islamic astrolabe - Inside HSM Oxford, History of Science Museum, Oxford, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)

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