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Islamic Brass Astrolabe, Inscribed

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Islamic etched brass astrolabe, the astronomical instrument with a finely worked base (mater) intricately inscribed with various notations and the animals of the zodiac to either side, and suspended from scallop-edged triangular projection to the top, the reticulated removable front plate (rete) with further Islamic notation; together with five engraved replacement disks (tympans/climates), 16.25''l; Provenance: Collection of Martha Kramer, who lived and worked in China in 1920-1930

Astrolabe: the base appears to be orginal. It is very heavy and the engraved/chased design is finely executed; the unadorned edge exhibits some surface wear (small nicks, scratches, etc) and there is some discoloration where the disk was attached to the triangular suspension. The removable front plate (rete) appears to be a later replacement, with some warping, dents along the edge and is not as finely worked; overall soiling with more reddish-hue coloration to the metal with a rather shiny underside. All five of the interior plates are of later date, uneven (warped), crudely incised and scattered with patches of corrosion.

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