Celestial globe

Add to album

This celestial globe was made in 1663 by Diya' ad-din Muhammad of Lahore in India. Made of brass with silver star positions, it shows the traditional Islamic representations of the constellations.

The globe indicates about 800 to 1000 star positions.

Although it is said that al-Binni, the Islamic philosopher, taught the Hindu pundits to construct astrolabes in the 11th century, it was not until the 16th century that a school of astronomical instrument making was established at Lahore by the Muslims.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-102-652-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1890.330
• Date: 1663
  
• Material: Bronze with stars inlaid in silver. Inscription: Constellations engraved onto the globe
  
• Dimensions: 9.25" H
  
• What:
• Subject: 3. ASTRONOMY, Celestial globes (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Diya Ad-din Muhammed, Lahore (Maker)
  
• Where: Pakistan, Punjab, Lahore
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze celestial globe, with constellations engraved and stars inlaid in silver, by Diya ad-din Muhammad, Lahore, 1663
  
• References:
  • Savage-Smith, Islamicate Celestial Globes: Their History, Construction and Use. Washington D. C., 1985, pp 41,84,230-1 
• Translations:
• Related Records: