Planispheric Astrolabe 1629 - 1680

This planispheric astrolabe, a brass instrument for astronomical calculations, was crafted by Muhammad Zaman al-Munajjim al-Asturlabi, a prominent astrolabe maker in 17th-century India. The intricate design features Arabic inscriptions and a delicate network of lines representing celestial coordinates and star positions, showcasing the artist's expertise in both astronomy and craftsmanship. This astrolabe, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the rich tradition of scientific instruments in Islamic art.