Bidspirit auction | AN OTTOMAN STYLE ILLUSTRATED WOODEN

AN OTTOMAN STYLE ILLUSTRATED WOODEN QIBLA COMPASS BOX. - A travel Qibla compass, or Mecca finder, housed within a rectangular wooden case. The exterior of the lid is finished with a printed paper covering featuring a pattern of white flowers and red foliage against a vertically-striped red ground. The interior of the lid displays a central depiction of the Kaaba in Mecca within a circular courtyard, surrounded by radiating segments illustrating various Islamic holy sites, mosques, and architectural landmarks. This central panel is framed by a wide border of Naskh-style Arabic calligraphy which begins with the Bismillah prayer at the bottom edge. The interior base houses a central circular compass with a glass cover. The compass dial is printed with a central compass rose showing the cardinal directions in Arabic script and an outer ring inscribed with the names of various cities across the Islamic world. The surrounding paper surface is further decorated with illustrations, including a prominent date palm tree and minarets, accompanied by descriptive Arabic labels identifying the depicted sites. The case is constructed from wood with metal hinges and pins. Approximately 30.5 x 23.5cm