An silver studded brass astrologer's globe

INDIA, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Details

An silver studded brass astrologer's globe
India, late 19th century
the 8-inch brass globe studded with silver stars, engraved constellations around which is astrological information, two graduated bands, a pseudo-equatorial and a pseudo-ecliptic at too high an angle (approx 45°), on graduated horizon ring supported on four graduated quadrants.
10½in. (26.5cm) high

Literature

Maddison, F. & Savage-Smith, E. Science, Tools & Magic Part One. Body and Spirit, Mapping the Universe The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art Vol.12. (Oxford: 1997), pp.160-5.

Lot Essay

From the same workshop as No.113 in the Khalili collection. Maddison & Savage-Smith suggest astrological globes of this sort were used as an aide to the casting of horoscopes, as opposed to being of use as an accurate celestial globe.

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