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PROVENANCE - Christies Auction, London - Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds 8 October 2015 - Lot#115

A RARE AND IMPORTANT SPHERICAL ASTROLABE
SIGNED MUHAMMAD BIN SULAYMAN AL-MAGHRIBI [AL-RUDANI], MEDINA, DATED AH 1073/1662-63 AD
The lacquered sphere inked in red and black, the upper hemisphere marked with almuncantars for every 3° and azimuth quadrants for every 6°, recessed quadrant arc for gnomon (lacking), the lower hemisphere with geographical map, hour lines, suspension loop at zenit and authorship cartouche with name of maker, date and that it was made in the courthouse in Medina, the sphere contained within a hemispheric leather case with paper lining, the once hinged openwork lacquered rete with graduated quadrant ecliptic and equator, named stars and five remaining star pointers, minor repairs 
Box 4¼in. (10.8cm.) diam.