Celestial Globe
1640-1641 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
For centuries, the astronomers of the Islamic Middle East led the world in their knowledge of the heavens. Astronomical instruments such as globes and astrolabes were produced in large numbers to a very high standard.
This globe was made in Mashhad in 1640-1. Such instruments were used in scientific enquiry, or served religious purposes, such as telling the times of the five daily prayers or establishing the direction of Mecca. They were also used in astrology – to cast horoscopes, for example.
Celestial globes show the heavens from above. Individual stars are marked by inlaid silver dots, while engraved figures represent the 48 constellations inherited from Greek and Roman astronomy. The stand is probably original, but the meridian ring that once spanned the globe is missing.
This globe was made in Mashhad in 1640-1. Such instruments were used in scientific enquiry, or served religious purposes, such as telling the times of the five daily prayers or establishing the direction of Mecca. They were also used in astrology – to cast horoscopes, for example.
Celestial globes show the heavens from above. Individual stars are marked by inlaid silver dots, while engraved figures represent the 48 constellations inherited from Greek and Roman astronomy. The stand is probably original, but the meridian ring that once spanned the globe is missing.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Metal (brass), inlaid with silver |
| Brief description | Brass celestial globe, Iran (Mashhad), 1640-41. |
| Physical description | Metal celestial globe, the two hemispheres joined at the equator. Full set of constellation figures (including the zodiac), with about 1018 stars indicated by small inlaid silver points. Signed in Arabic between the two southern poles. The quadruped metal stand may be contemporary with the globe. |
| Dimensions |
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| Styles | |
| Marks and inscriptions | signature
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by Sir Charles Marling, GCMG, CB |
| Object history | Formerly in the collection of Sir Charles Marling, K.C.M.G. |
| Production | date can be read as 1051 or 1050 (AH) |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | For centuries, the astronomers of the Islamic Middle East led the world in their knowledge of the heavens. Astronomical instruments such as globes and astrolabes were produced in large numbers to a very high standard. This globe was made in Mashhad in 1640-1. Such instruments were used in scientific enquiry, or served religious purposes, such as telling the times of the five daily prayers or establishing the direction of Mecca. They were also used in astrology – to cast horoscopes, for example. Celestial globes show the heavens from above. Individual stars are marked by inlaid silver dots, while engraved figures represent the 48 constellations inherited from Greek and Roman astronomy. The stand is probably original, but the meridian ring that once spanned the globe is missing. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.827-1928 |
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| Record created | December 17, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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