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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1958.135
Title
Astrolabe
Classification
Measuring Devices
Work Type
astrolabe
Date
18th-19th century
Places
Creation Place: Middle East, Iran
Period
Zand period to early Qajar period
Culture
Persian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216170

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Brass
Dimensions
max. H. with ring: 13.8 x 8.5 x 1.4 cm (5 7/16 x 3 3/8 x 9/16 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • Signed: Shaykh Muhammad Araghi

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Alpheus Hyatt Purchasing Fund
Accession Year
1958
Object Number
1958.135
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
This astrolabe has a number of defects which prevent it from being a useful scientific instrument. The workmanship, though, is very good, so this was probably one of the many astrolabes made during the 18-19th century in Iran as decorative objects. Contemporary European travellers to Iran wrote about the craze for owning astrolabes, even amongst those who had no idea how they worked. Such a craze inevitably resulted in such attractive but non-functional objects as this one.
(Notes from the Glory and Prosperity exhibition, Feb - June 2002.)

Publication History

  • Owen Gingerich, "Rara Astronomica", Harvard Library Bulletin, ed. E. E. Williams, Harvard University Library (Cambridge, MA, April 1971), vol. XIX, no. 2, pp138, no. 66

Exhibition History

  • The Heavenly Court: Persian Poetry and Painting, Harvard University Art Museums, Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 02/09/1985 - 03/31/1985

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu