Astrolabe
18th-19th century
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.)
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.)
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