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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Isfahan, Persia · fl. 1649–1663

Muḥammad Mahdī

Partially verified

Astrolabe maker and engraver

Life & work

Muhammad Mahdi ibn Muhammad Amin al-Yazdi was a prominent 17th-century Persian maker of scientific instruments based in Isfahan during the Safavid period.

He belonged to a family of astrolabists and became recognized for his expertise in the calibration of complex instruments. His professional output included the construction of sophisticated planispheric astrolabes often featuring elaborate, fine decoration and technical inscriptions. He frequently collaborated with other craftsmen, such as the maker Muhammad Khalil Isfahani, to whom he served as an engraver and decorator.

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.

Documented works

  • A planispheric astrolabe dating to 1060 AH (1659–1660 CE) is housed in the collection of Qatar Museums.
  • An astrolabe dated 1667, produced in collaboration with Muhammad Khalil Isfahani, is held by the Victoria and Albert Museum.
  • A gilded brass astrolabe produced in 1065 AH (1654–1655 CE) is part of the Qatar Museums 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

5 catalogued objects are recorded under Muḥammad Mahdī. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.

  • Front view of the astrolabe showing the rete, throne, and degree scale.
  • Full view of the astrolabe, showing the intricate foliate rete and the suspension shackle, with a brown braided cord attached.
  • Front view of the astrolabe showing the rete, mater, and throne, featuring an embossed Qur'anic inscription on the throne.
  • Front view of the astrolabe showing the rete, throne, and limb inscriptions.
  • Front view of the brass astrolabe (inventory 45581) showing the rete, limb, and throne.

Sources & references

  1. Astrolabe | Yazdi, Muhammad Mahdi | Isfahani, Muhammad Khalil | V&A Explore The Collections, Victoria and Albert Museum, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  2. Astrolabe | Royal Museums Greenwich, Royal Museums Greenwich, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  3. Khalili Collections | Islamic Art | Planispheric Astrolabe, khalilicollections.org, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  4. Planispheric Astrolabe with Turquoise Inlay - Qatar Museums, collections.qm.org.qa, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  5. Planispheric Astrolabe - Qatar Museums, collections.qm.org.qa, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)

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