Decorative astrolabe

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Decorative astrolabe

19th century

For centuries, the astrolabe-a navigational, astronomical, chronological, religious, and geographical instrument-was the most important and popular scientific tool in the Middle East and Europe. Invented in the Hellenistic period (ca. 150 B.C.), this example dates to the 19th century and includes the markers for the equator and several constellations, laid over a celestial map. It was most likely decorative and not used for actual navigation or time-telling.

Brass

approximately 4 x 3 in. (10.2 x 7.6 cm)

Gift of Jeff Strickler

2009.65.1

Provenance: Purchased in Iran by Jeff Strickler, Seattle, WA 1971-2009

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

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