Persian Celestial Globe . unsigned and undated, 19th Century. A rare Persian copper celestial globe, diameter , overall height 11 ¾ inches (30cm). The globe made of two engraved hemispheres, without engraved stars or constellations, the celestial equator and plane of the ecliptic shown by engraved bands, graduated in single degrees, every fifth numbered in abjad letter numerals, repeated every 30 degrees along the both great circles, the six ecliptic latitude circles omitted, meridians at every 45 degrees perpendicular to the equator colure, marking the 2 tropic circles at both the ecliptic and equatorial poles, and the two circles outside and concentric with the equatorial polar circles.The Zodiacal houses are labelled in double-outlined script within engraved circles, and arabic labels indicate the north and south hemispheres, the ecliptic poles, celestial equator, the ecliptic, the solstitial colure and the two tropics. Along the meridians are engraved enagular measurements in abjad letter numerals and the names of 8 of the zodiacal signs with two sets of angular positions given for each. In the southern hemisphere the names of the 7 planets plus the'sphere of the zodiac' are inscribed each with a set of co-ordinates, apparently providing planetary positions. The brass engraved meridian ring is soldered to the horizon ring and stand, with semi-circular undersupport and brass finial, raised on four slender octagonal pillars from a base ring engraved with stylised Islamic decoration, on four shaped feet (one pillar cracked and damaged). The inclusion of planetary positions makes this sphere unique among Islamic celestial globes studied so far and implies its function was intended to be different from the classical celestial globe. the fact that the ecliptic and equator are incorrectly oriented with regard to the north and south hemispheres, as labelled on the sphere, further indicates that the maker either misunderstood the design of the celestial globe or meant it to serve a quite different but yet undefined purpose. The metal working and engraving of the globe is of high quality although the design is unconventional. The stand is probably later and possibly of Indian origin.
Persian Celestial Globe . unsigned and undated, 19th Century. A rare Persian copper celestial globe, diameter , overall height 11 ¾ inches (30cm). The globe made of two engraved hemispheres, without engraved stars or constellations, the celestial equator and plane of the ecliptic shown by engraved bands, graduated in single degrees, every fifth numbered in abjad letter numerals, repeated every 30 degrees along the both great circles, the six ecliptic latitude circles omitted, meridians at every 45 degrees perpendicular to the equator colure, marking the 2 tropic circles at both the ecliptic and equatorial poles, and the two circles outside and concentric with the equatorial polar circles.The Zodiacal houses are labelled in double-outlined script within engraved circles, and arabic labels indicate the north and south hemispheres, the ecliptic poles, celestial equator, the ecliptic, the solstitial colure and the two tropics. Along the meridians are engraved enagular measurements in abjad letter numerals and the names of 8 of the zodiacal signs with two sets of angular positions given for each. In the southern hemisphere the names of the 7 planets plus the'sphere of the zodiac' are inscribed each with a set of co-ordinates, apparently providing planetary positions. The brass engraved meridian ring is soldered to the horizon ring and stand, with semi-circular undersupport and brass finial, raised on four slender octagonal pillars from a base ring engraved with stylised Islamic decoration, on four shaped feet (one pillar cracked and damaged). The inclusion of planetary positions makes this sphere unique among Islamic celestial globes studied so far and implies its function was intended to be different from the classical celestial globe. the fact that the ecliptic and equator are incorrectly oriented with regard to the north and south hemispheres, as labelled on the sphere, further indicates that the maker either misunderstood the design of the celestial globe or meant it to serve a quite different but yet undefined purpose. The metal working and engraving of the globe is of high quality although the design is unconventional. The stand is probably later and possibly of Indian origin.
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.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
