Objekt 7
Persian astrolabe with armilla and compass
Description
An astrolabe is a disc-shaped astronomical instrument consisting of a base plate (mater), discs inserted into the base plate (planispheres), and a rotating "net" (rete). A rotating pointer (alidade) is attached to the back (dorsum). The instrument can be used to reproduce the rotating sky. By means of numerous scales and indications attached to the components (astronomical indications, graduation, geographical latitudes, equinoctial and temporal hours, fixed stars, sine scale, shadow square, annual curves of the planets, signs of the zodiac, names of the planets, etc.), sunrise and sunset as well as the time can be read, calendar data can be determined, the sun, moon, stars or objects on the earth's surface can be pointed at and heights can be calculated. The astrolabe was thus a universal instrument for astronomers, surveyors and astrologers for many centuries.
Object description
Maker: Muhammed Amîn
Persia, dated 1127 (= 1715 AD)
Bronze, cast, engraved (mater), brass, engraved (planispheres), compass (inserted in the armilla)
Inscriptions: signature and date, Arabic quatrains and 'by order of Haji Muhammad Jawâd, physician of the empire, God help him'
Bequest Carl and Lini Nathan-Rupp, Binningen
Inv. 1982.1137.