Lot 325
- 325
An engraved brass celestial sphere on later stand, India, 18th century and 19th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- Brass
the spherical brass body with two small drill hole to either end accompanied by another small drill hole close by, engraved with astronomical markings labelled in a large nashk script, on a base with four vertical supports fitted with a horizontal frame and meridian scale
Condition
In fairly good condition, small dents to sphere, some oxidisation around pierced openings, light scratches to surface, the later stand in good condition with some oxidisation and minor scuffs, axis pin replaced by wire supports, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
This small globe is engraved with the basic astronomical markings labelled in a large nashk script. The ecliptic is divided for each 10° of each sign, subdivided for each 2°. The celestial equator is divided for each 10° and subdivided for each 2°. The labels include the names of the signs of the zodiac; the obliquity of the ecliptic, that is, the maximum arc between the ecliptic and the equator (mayl-i kulli, between the ecliptic and celestial equator); the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (madar al-saratan and al-jady); the day-circle of the pole of the ecliptic (madar-i qutb-i falak al-buruj); and the north celestial pole marked as the southern one (qutb-i mu'addil-i janubi).
The base of later date with four vertical supports fitted with a horizontal frame divided and labelled for each 6° and subdivided for each 2°. The meridian scale is enthusiastically divided for each 6°, subdivided into 2° intervals, which serves to tilt the globe for the appropriate terrestrial latitude. (A scale from 0° to 90° would suffice.)
For further information on such globes, see E. Savage-Smith, Islamicate Celestial Globes: Their history, Construction, and Use, Smithsonian Institution Press, 1985.
The base of later date with four vertical supports fitted with a horizontal frame divided and labelled for each 6° and subdivided for each 2°. The meridian scale is enthusiastically divided for each 6°, subdivided into 2° intervals, which serves to tilt the globe for the appropriate terrestrial latitude. (A scale from 0° to 90° would suffice.)
For further information on such globes, see E. Savage-Smith, Islamicate Celestial Globes: Their history, Construction, and Use, Smithsonian Institution Press, 1985.