Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 22

Islamic Cast Bronze Astrolabe with Five Celestial Globes Astronomical Instrument

$2,950
£2,243.34
€2,587.59
CA$4,132.41
A$4,624.98
CHF 2,414.96
MX$56,425.07
NOK 30,654.79
SEK 29,089.51
DKK 19,322.90
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Islamic cast bronze Astrolabe with five celestial rolling globes.Antique Asian Islamic Persian astronomical instrument, originally a Hellenistic invention, were made in order to solve complex astronomical problems, and give the bearer effectively a hand-held map of the universe.Also used by Hindu Indian Astrologues to calculate the horoscope.Large heavy antique cast bronze astrological celestial globe plaque featuring five globes that rolls to calculate astrological calculs.This scientific Islamic instrument is hand etched with one side with Hindu script and design and one the other side with Arabic Persian script, Arabic calligraphy and astrological signs.Please check detail photos of the planispheric disc with the 5 rolling spheres. Antique Islamic Metalwork Brass astrolabe Astronomical measuring Device with five celestial rolling globes.Origin: India or PersiaCirca: Late 19th Century.Large and heavy, comes with a long 27 inches chain.Dimensions: 15 in. diameter with to ring 21 in. This instrument is finely engraved with a variety of measurements, maps, and decorative additions, with Arabic and Hindu inscriptions, figures depictions and geometric motifs. Instruments such as these are keenly associated with the Islamic Golden age of scientific advancement and discovery, an age in which they became particular popular.An astrolabe is an ancient instrument used for solving problems related to astronomy, timekeeping. * Astronomy: Astronomers could use an astrolabe to determine the altitude of stars and planets above the horizon, helping them make observations and predictions about celestial movements. * Timekeeping: It could be used to determine the time of day, based on the position of the sun or stars.Astrolabes were highly versatile and were often used by scholars, sailors, and astronomers, representing a significant advancement in the understanding of the cosmos and practical tools in the ancient world.Islamic Golden Age: The astrolabe was greatly refined during the Islamic Golden Age (8th–13th centuries CE). Many of the astrolabes used today are based on innovations from Islamic astronomers. Notably, al-Fazari, a scholar in the 8th century, is often credited with creating a version of the astrolabe that could be used for more practical purposes, such as navigation and timekeeping. Another key figure is Ibn al-Shatir, an Islamic astronomer from the 14th century who made key improvements to the device. Islamic scholars were responsible for the key innovations that turned the astrolabe into a more accurate and versatile instrument, particularly for navigation and determining the time of prayer. They also improved its design, adding features like the "rete", which allowed for more precise readings of the stars.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 21 in (53.34 cm)Diameter: 15 in (38.1 cm)
  • Style:
    Islamic (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Bronze,Cast,Etched,Forged,Hammered
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1930
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. patina.
  • Seller Location:
    North Hollywood, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: AS11241stDibs: LU906842327042

More From This Seller

View All
Mughal India Round Brass Tray with Islamic Writing
Located in North Hollywood, CA
19th century Mughal Indo Persian fine antique brass round tray hand chased with Islamic calligraphy in Mameluke style. 19th century collector...
Category

Antique 19th Century Indian Anglo Raj Metalwork

Materials

Brass

Moroccan Antique Bronze Cover with Brass Etched Decor
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Very handsome large-scale handcrafted cover. Large handmade Moroccan ceremonial brass vessel for covering wedding presents, hand-forged in Fez. Perfect as center piece for food cove...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Moorish Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

19th Century Mughal Indo Persian Fine Antique Brass Round Tray 17 in
Located in North Hollywood, CA
19th century Mughal Indo Persian fine antique brass round tray hand chased with Islamic calligraphy in Mameluke style in the center. 19th cent...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Indian Islamic Metalwork

Materials

Brass

Antique Moroccan Berber Brass Flask 1920s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover a timeless treasure with this Antique Islamic Arabic Powder Flask—a true masterpiece from 1920s Morocco. Handcrafted with meticulous artistry, this exquisite piece combines ...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Islamic Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Antique Islamic Brass Bowl Fine Metalwork Hand Etched Bowl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Middle Eastern Islamic art Moorish brass bowl engraved with Thuluth Arabic calligraphy.The polished brass bowl is profusely chased with vines and vegetal motifs and inscribed with Islamic verses of the Holly Koran.This bowl has been professionally cleaned and polished.Measures: Diameter 7.25" x 4" height Mouth opening: 5".Great Middle Eastern brass metalwork decorative Islamic art objects.Handcrafted Moorish hand-etched Islamic metal brass bowl.Engraved, incised and hammered with very fine Arabic Islamic calligraphy writing and geometric designs on brass vessel.Very Intricate fine Middle eastern Moorish Islamic Art metalwork, museum quality artwork.Late 19th Century.Date of Manufacture: Circa 1880.Condition: Wear consistent with age and use. Islamic brass metalwork is an intricate and beautiful form of art that originated in the Islamic world. It encompasses a wide range of decorative objects made from brass or other metals such as copper, bronze, and silver. Brass trays, in particular, are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and intricate designs. Islamic brass metalwork has a rich history that dates back to the early Islamic period, with its roots in the metalworking traditions of ancient civilizations such as the Persians, Greeks, and Romans. However, Islamic artisans developed their own unique styles and techniques, blending elements from various cultures and creating distinctive motifs that reflected Islamic aesthetics and religious beliefs. The process of creating brass trays involves several steps, each requiring specialized skills. Here is a general overview of the traditional techniques involved: 1) Design: A skilled artist or calligrapher creates the design for the brass object. Islamic brass metalwork often incorporates intricate geometric patterns, arabesques, floral motifs, and calligraphy inspired by Quranic verses or poetry. 2) Metalworking: The object is typically made from a sheet of brass or another metal. The metal is cut into the desired shape and then hammered or pressed to create the object. Traditional techniques such as repoussé (hammering from the reverse side) or chasing (hammering on the front side) may be employed to shape the metal. 3) Engraving: The surface of the metal is often decorated with intricate engravings or etchings. Skilled artisans use chisels, gravers, or other specialized tools to create fine details and elaborate patterns. 4) Filigree and Inlay: Some brass trays feature additional decorative elements such as filigree or inlay work. Filigree involves shaping thin wires of brass into delicate patterns and soldering them onto the tray's surface. Inlay work, on the other hand, involves embedding contrasting materials such as silver or copper into the brass, creating intricate designs. 5) Surface Treatment: After the main decorative work is complete, the tray may undergo surface treatments to enhance its appearance. This can include processes like polishing, buffing, or applying various chemical patinas to create an aged or oxidized effect. While this bowl has certainly witnessed the passage of time, it remains in remarkably good condition, with only minor signs of age that add character to its appearance. The patina on the brass enhances its antique allure, making it a truly authentic and captivating collectible. Arabic Calligraphy: The Arabic writing on the bowl is a work of art in itself. The calligraphy showcases the mastery of the scribe's hand, with flowing curves and intricate details that form an elegant script. The script may include Quranic verses, blessings, or poetic verses, depending on the bowl's origin and purpose. The inscriptions are not only visually striking but also carry profound meaning, making this bowl a beautiful representation of Islamic heritage. Intricate Patterns: In addition to the Arabic calligraphy, the bowl features intricate geometric patterns and motifs that further enhance its visual appeal. These patterns are a hallmark of Islamic art and reflect the mathematical precision and artistic creativity that defined Islamic craftsmanship. This antique Islamic brass bowl...
Category

Antique 19th Century Turkish Islamic Metalwork

Materials

Brass

Antique Middle Eastern Persian Wall Hanging Metal Tray
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large engraved antique Middle Eastern Persian wall hanging metal tray, platter. A large metal decorative centerpiece or wall hanging. Beautiful handmade craftsmanship. A fine Persian Qajar large heavy metal round tray with tinned surface covered in etched geometric, hand chased floral and Persian, Middle Eastern scenes decorations. Nicely handcrafted and carved with floral details and a figural scene with Kings, animals and various oother figures. Medallions around with different scenes of men on horses and animals. A large frise around with Arabic, Persian Kufic writing. Persian Middle Eastern metal Islamic work Qajar style tinned copper, silvered, and blackened metal. Metal silver color and black hammered antique Persian wall hanging decorative tray. Has a hook in the back for hanging. Highest craftsmanship according to old tradition. Very decorative embossed brass tray from Persian Qajar era, nice combination of traditional designs as deer, birds, flowers, Dervish or opium pipe. Handsomely intertwined with calligraphic inscriptions, this brass plate/tray is remarkable mix of Qajar patterns. Late 19th, eraly 20th century Qajar era Persian Islamic tray with engraved figures and floral designs. Engraving(Ghalam Zani...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Islamic Metalwork

Materials

Metal

You May Also Like

Collection of 18th and 19th Century Arabic Astrolabes and Quadrant
Located in London, GB
A collection of 18th and 19th century Arabic astrolabes and quadrant Persian, 18th/19th Century Largest: height 23cm, width 13cm, depth 3cm Smallest: height 6.5cm, width 4.5cm, depth 1.5cm This excellent set of antique astronomical instruments is a selection of five Persian brass astrolabes...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Persian Islamic Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Monumental Antique Islamic Ottoman Safavid Astrological Astrolabe on Stand 1720
Located in Portland, OR
An incredibly rare 18th Century monumental palace size Ottoman Islamic astrolabe on an easel stand, Turkey, circa 1720. This rare palace size Astrola...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Turkish Islamic Scholar's Objects

Materials

Brass, Steel, Gold Leaf

Large Antique Islamic Brass Celestial Globe On A Stand
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Islamic brass celestial globe on a stand. The globe showcases intricate engravings and embossments that depict celestial patterns, constellations, and celestial bodies. The celestial globe serves as a representation of the Islamic world's deep understanding and exploration of the cosmos, blending scientific knowledge with artistic elegance. Dating back to the late 19th century. Antique Celestial Globes...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Astrolabes
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of antique brass astrolabes with iron brackets
Category

Antique 19th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Pair of Astrolabes
$3,850 / set
Large Asian Brass Ball Incense Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful large Asian brass ball inciense holder. We have a slightly bigger piece in our inventory so collect both! From the estate of Tony Duquette.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Other Candle Lamps

Materials

Brass

Fine Ottoman Era Brass Vessel With Hand Engraved Verses Of The Quran & Cartouche
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Refined hand engraved large brass Ottoman vessel with verses from the Quran intermingled with raised and depressed intricate carvings. Good original condition. A superb work of art f...
Category

Antique 1850s Turkish Islamic Metalwork

Materials

Brass