

Planispheric astrolabe, Safavid period (1501–1722), dated a.h. 1065 / a.d. 1654–55
Signed by Muhammad Zaman al-Munajjim al-Asturlabi
Iran, Mashhad
Brass and steel; cast and hammered, pierced and engraved
Signed by Muhammad Zaman al-Munajjim al-Asturlabi
Iran, Mashhad
Brass and steel; cast and hammered, pierced and engraved
H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm), W. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm), D. 2 1/4 in. (15.7 cm)
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1963 (63.166a-j)
These instruments, common to both medieval Islam and the medieval West, serve for astronomical, astrological, and topographical calculations, and even for telling time. There was a flourishing astrolabe manufactory in the Safavid period as well, and many signed and dated astrolabes are known from that time.







