![An elegant [?]18th-Century Iranian qibla-indicator,](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2001/CSK/2001_CSK_09123_0076_000(030302).jpg?w=1)
Details
An elegant [?]18th-Century Iranian qibla-indicator,
unsigned, undated, brass and glass -- 3¼in. (7.9cm) diameter
This small compass is engraved with information on the qiblas of numerous localities, mainly in Iran. The data is on both sides of the lid, both sides of the base, and around the rim. A glass cover over the compass-needle is fitted under a brass frame bearing a typical square support divided in four by two perpendiculars and fitted with a (non-functional but standard) vane.
See Illustration
unsigned, undated, brass and glass -- 3¼in. (7.9cm) diameter
This small compass is engraved with information on the qiblas of numerous localities, mainly in Iran. The data is on both sides of the lid, both sides of the base, and around the rim. A glass cover over the compass-needle is fitted under a brass frame bearing a typical square support divided in four by two perpendiculars and fitted with a (non-functional but standard) vane.
See Illustration
Literature
On the Iranian tradition of mathematical geography and various Iranian qibla-indicators see:
KING, D. A., World-Maps for Finding the Direction and Distance to Mecca (Leiden/London, 1999) esp. pp170-186
KING, D. A., World-Maps for Finding the Direction and Distance to Mecca (Leiden/London, 1999) esp. pp170-186
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.