Arts of the Islamic World & India including Fine Rugs and Carpets

A Safavid engraved Qibla-indicator with compass and markings to Mecca and Medina, signed by 'Abd al-A'immah, Persia, late 17th/early 18th century

Auction Closed

October 26, 12:30 PM GMT

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

of circular form with hinged lid, engraved with inscriptions in naskh, the interior with compass and inscribed with names of locations, metal and glass frame above with needle and sundial

7cm. diam.

Please note that there may be restrictions on the import of property of Iranian origin into the USA and some or all member countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council. Any buyers planning to import property of Iranian origin into any of these countries should satisfy themselves of the relevant import regime. Sotheby's will not assist buyers with the shipment of such items into the USA or the GCC. In addition, FedEx and US courier services will no longer carry Iranian-origin goods to any location. Any shipment services would need to be provided by a Fine Art shipping company.

inscriptions

Signed: ‘The work of ‘Abd al-A’immah’

The qibla, or sacred direction towards the Ka'ba in Mecca, was particularly researched in Safavid Persia. More treatises on the determination of the qibla were compiled and more instruments for finding the qibla were constructed under the Safavids than in any period of Muslim history. ‘Abd al-A’immah was one of the most prolific instrument makers of the late Safavid period whose work is characterised by precision and elegant engraving shown in the refined naskh script employed in the inscriptions of this qibla indicator.

A horizontal format qibla indicator signed by the maker was sold in these rooms, 22 April 2015, lot 201 and another of similar round format to this example on 18 April 2007, lot 52.