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Lot Essay
This interesting scientific instrument is a qibla indicator which may be used anywhere in the world. It was invented by someone called Baron or Baruth. In the upper roundel he describes how he he had already presented a treatise on geography to the Grand Vizier 'Ali Pasha and had then been encouraged to devise this instrument. He presented his new invention to the new Grand Vizier Yegen Mehmet Pasha.
The inscription notes how he completed the universal qibla indicator in Constantinople in the year 1152 (1738-9).
The present example has been achieved by an early form of lithography.
The printed sheet was then stuck on to the board which has been embellished by hand-painted floral designs. The compass was then attached and the needle, which is missing, and then the whole thing was housed in a wooden case which is covered with green marbling typical of Ottoman illumination and book production of the time. The back of the instrument is also marbled in this way.
The lower circle is the functioning part of the instrument, containing the compass and the pointer which would enable the user to determine the qibla wherever he was in the world with the aid of the map and the list of cities below.
The inscription notes how he completed the universal qibla indicator in Constantinople in the year 1152 (1738-9).
The present example has been achieved by an early form of lithography.
The printed sheet was then stuck on to the board which has been embellished by hand-painted floral designs. The compass was then attached and the needle, which is missing, and then the whole thing was housed in a wooden case which is covered with green marbling typical of Ottoman illumination and book production of the time. The back of the instrument is also marbled in this way.
The lower circle is the functioning part of the instrument, containing the compass and the pointer which would enable the user to determine the qibla wherever he was in the world with the aid of the map and the list of cities below.