- 184
A Safavid brass qibla compass with markings to Mecca and Medina, Persia, 17th Century
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- brass
of small circular form, with hinged lid (broken), with incised leafy designs and floral motifs around the sides, the exterior and interior incised with inscriptions, degrees and indications for various localities
Condition
In fair overall condition, missing pointer, hinge broken, some small patches of oxidisation, light scratches to surface, consistent with age and use, 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
The qibla, or sacred direction towards the Ka'aba in Mecca, was particularly researched in Safavid Persia during the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. 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. Whilst some highly sophisticated instruments, such as world-maps centred on Mecca and fitted with grids preserving direction and distance to the centre, were made in Safavid Persia (the inspiration was a good five centuries older), simpler instruments, such as this compass, showing the qibla for specific localities were also popular and much more widespread (See King, World-Maps, passim, esp. pp.134-138 and 545). This particular qibla includes cities such as Mecca, Medina, Najaf and Kerbala.