Bidspirit auction | A LARGE INDO-PERSIAN ENGRAVED BRASS

A LARGE INDO-PERSIAN ENGRAVED BRASS ARMILLARY SPHERE WITH CELESTIAL GLOBE. - A large Indo-Persian astronomical instrument of spherical form, comprising a central celestial globe nested within three concentric, rotating armillary rings. The assembly is suspended from a decorative, scalloped throne known as a kursi, which features a pivoting suspension ring or halqa. The instrument is constructed from cast brass with extensive hand-engraved decoration and a dark-brown aged patina. The kursi and armillary rings feature calligraphic inscriptions in Persian and Arabic script. The inscriptions on the kursi include the phrase Ornament of the Earth, the honorific Sultan son of Sultan, and the name of the Qajar ruler Fath-Ali Shah Qajar. The central globe is mapped with celestial data, including star positions, constellations, and calligraphic labels, divided by meridian and equatorial lines. The three rotating rings are engraved with degree scales, zodiacal signs, and astronomical notations. Decorative elements include stylized sun-face icons, small representations of terrestrial globes with grid lines, and islimi floral scrollwork. H: Approximately 54cm