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ⓁSafavid copy of the Zij-i Sultani (astronomical treatise) b…
See original version (French)
81
-
ⓁSafavid copy of the Zij-i Sultani (astronomical treatise) b…
See original version (French)
Estimate €7,000 - €10,000
Voluntary lot
Description
ⓁSafavid copy of the Zij-i Sultani (astronomical treatise) by Ulugh Beg
Iran, dated AH 1062 (1651-1652 D.C.)
Manuscript in Persian and Arabic on paper, 195 leaves calligraphed in naskh in black ink; the numerous astronomical tables are ruled in red ink; the text is accompanied by marginal annotations attesting to active use.
Colophon dated: fi awa'il sana 1062 - "at the beginning of the year 1062". Bound in original stamped brown leather.
Condition: Complete and preserved in its original binding.
Size: 24 x 18 cm (9.4 x 7.1 in.)
The Zij-i Sultani is one of the most important astronomical treatises of the Islamic world, written in the 1430s under the patronage of the Timurid prince Ulugh Beg (1394-1449), grandson of Tamerlane and governor of Samarkand, and completed shortly before his death. Based on observations made at the Samarkand observatory - built around 1424 and, when completed, the largest astronomical observatory in the world - the work brings together tables of exceptional accuracy that were authoritative for several centuries and were widely disseminated throughout the Islamic world, even penetrating European science through Latin translations in the 17th century.
The present copy, copied in the Safavid period in 1062 AH. (AD 1651-1652), bears witness to the ongoing transmission of this Timurid scientific heritage to Iran in the heart of the 17th century. Its layout, typical of scientific works, includes numerous tables set in red ink for astronomical calculations; the handwriting, regular and legible, is accompanied by marginal annotations that attest to active use - probably in a study or teaching context, perhaps within a madrasa.
A Safavid manuscript of the Zij-i Sultani of Ulugh Beg, dated fi awa'il sana 1062 (1651-1652 AD)
Persian and Arabic manuscript on paper, 195 leaves in black naskh, illustrated with numerous astronomical tables ruled in red ink, with marginal annotations attesting to active use; original brown stamped leather binding.
Location:
The work is currently stored in London; please contact the department for further information.
Notes:
British VAT of 20% will apply to this lot currently located in London. In case of export from UK, VAT on sale fees can be refunded upon presentation of customs documentation.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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