A Celestial Globe by "Iskandrani", [probably Safavid Persia, dated 1128 AH (1716 AD)]

A Celestial Globe, engraved in brass by "Iskandrani", depicting zodiac signs and stellar constellations [probably Safavid Persia, dated 1128 AH (1716 AD)] single brass sphere, engraved with signs of the zodiac, individual stars and stellar constellations, inscribed throughout with jagged inscriptions carved into the brass by hand, latitudinal and longitudinal lines present, brass a little darkened, some oxidisation to sections of engravings, a few small areas of rubbing and light surface scratches, c. 200 mm. in diameter Celestial globes of this nature were used by astrologers, astronomers, Islamic scholars and scientists alike. They were popularised in the Timurid period by patrons who extended their support for the arts into the sciences as well, and fine examples of these scientific and astrological instruments including astrolabes and other astrological globes from this period are predominantly from the Eastern Ilkhanate regions of Samarkand and Herat. Celestial globes of this nature portray stars and constellations as if viewed from above, and were often used as astronomical instruments to guide the viewer and serve as a map of the heavens. The exact proportions and presence of lines also gave these objects a religious purpose as they could be used to tell prayer times and also establish the location of Mecca. A similar example, dated 1197 AH (1782-83 AD) was sold in Sotheby's, 25th April 2012, lot 584, realising £38,450.