- 101
An Indo-Persian celestial globe, Lahore tradition, probably 17th century
Description
Provenance
Private collection in France before 1982.
Literature
Condition
"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
The globe, cast in one piece by the cire-perdue process, has two large plugs resulting therefrom of 27mm and 28mm placed opposite each other, and unusually thick walls. The ecliptic, on the pole of which the globe is currently mounted, is graduated to 2° in each sign in numbered groups of six. The ecliptic meridians or ecliptic latitude circles are drawn dividing the ecliptic at right angles into its twelve signs. The equator is numbered by groups of six degrees reading to 1° in two segments of 180°. The equatorial polar and tropical circles are drawn. There are no constellation figures but the positions of some 60 stars, generally named, are indicated by dots within a small circle. The zodiac names are engraved along the ecliptic and the celestial poles are labelled. The surface is pierced for both the ecliptic and the equatorial poles. The execution of the globe is uneven. Graduations are irregular, the distance between circles is not uniform and star latitudes are not always correct.
Having lost its meridian ring the globe is now mounted non-functionally in a later four-legged gilt stand with circular base and a semi-circular support for the globe. The horizon ring is graduated (irregularly) and numbered by groups of five in four quadrants of 90°.