Ancient Navigation: Astrolabe, by Muhammad Mahdi al-khadim al-Yazdi

This astrolabe, by Muhammad Mahdi, is a masterpiece of Safavid metalwork. The profusion of Persian and Arabic inscriptions confer on it a unique semantic character and the dedication on the throne to an important political personality of the Safavid empire confirm its courtly origin.

Astrolabe, by Muhammad Mahdi al-khadim al-Yazdi, Persian, c.1650

The throne, cast in one piece with the mater and rim, is high and triangular in shape and has an elaborately and delicately pierced base. Both sides bear inscriptions to Safi Quli Beg, an Emir at the court of Shah 'Abbas II.

Both sides of this astrolabe have a verse from the Koran and a Shiite invocation around the edge. The inscription in the throne begins "God: there is no god but Him, the Ever Living, the Ever Watchful. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. All that is in the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him." Inside the mater is a table for finding the direction of Mecca. 

Astrolabe {star- taker} Elaborate inclinomer, by Muhammad Mahdi al-Yazdi, Persian, c. 1660.

The astrolabe represents a mathematical likeness of the heavens and its Greek name is - "Star Taker". This amazing sophisticated scientific instrument has been crafted by Muhammad Mahdi al-Khadim al-Yazdi in brass and was used to solve astronomical problems and to show the positions of stars and planets at different dates, times and latitudes. The Persian calligraphy engraving reads a quotation from the Koran: "The world is decorated with stars".