A collection of 18th and 19th century Arabic astrolabes and quadrant

A collection of 18th and 19th century Arabic astrolabes and quadrant 
Persian, 18th/19th Century 
Largest: Height 23cm, width 13cm, depth 3cm 
Smallest: Height 6.5cm, width 4.5cm, depth 1.5cm 
  
This excellent set of antique astronomical instruments is a selection of five Persian brass astrolabes and a quadrant, made during the eighteenth and nineteenth century. These pieces, originally a Hellenistic invention, were made in order to solve complex astronomical problems, and give the bearer effectively a hand-held map of the universe. Instruments such as these are keenly associated with the Islamic Golden age of scientific advancement and discovery, an age in which they became particular popular. Their use extended into later centuries, during which they became increasingly refined, as shown here. 
  
The astrolabes consist of a mater, a  base-plate or disc, which is overlaid with various tympans, flat-plates. The quadrant is a similar device, effectively an astrolabe in condensed, rectangular form. These pieces are all superbly engraved and carved with a variety of measurements, maps, and decorative additions, in the form of Arabic inscriptions, and delightful animal depictions and floral motifs.