QIBLA INDICATOR BOX Iran, Safavid period, probably second half 17th or early 18th century Brass, circular in shape and opening by a hinge, incised with cursive inscriptions on each of its four sides. On three of them, a series of concentric bands giving the names of Iranian towns on two sides, and Egyptian, Iraqi, Syrian and Lebanese towns on the third, in fine calligraphy on a guilloche background, alternating with compartmentalised bands filled with letters; on the fourth side, inside, nine captioned directional lines indicating Mecca in particular. Marks of oxidation, scales, needle and fixing plate missing, lid detached. Diameter: 7 cm Source : Sotheby's, London, 3 October 2012: no. 184 (ill.) A Safavid brass qibla compass, Iran, probably second half of the 17th or early 18th century Inscription on the edge: Two Persian couplets containing information on how to use the Qibla indicator The qibla indicator is the most representative scientific tool in Islamic culture, enabling the faithful to direct their prayer towards Mecca. The Safavid period in Iran was very active in research into the qibla, as can be seen from the many treatises and tools produced during this period. For a complete example, see item AST0443 in the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, and another in the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford (1935-4). Our example in particular shows the qibla from the main Shi'ite pilgrimage cities: Mecca, Medina, Najaf, Kerbala, Kazimayn, 'Askariyyan, Qum, Mashhad and 'Abd al-'Azim. This example is very close to a Qibla indicator signed by Muhammad Khalil bin Hasan 'Ali and dated 1080 A.H./1669 A.D, sold at Sotheby's, London, 23 October 2019, lot 129. Another, also very similar, though dated to the 19th century, is in the Khalili collection in London (SC138). It was in Isfahan that Muhammad Khalil and other makers such as 'Abd al-A'imma Muhammad Mahdi al-Yazdi produced many scientific instruments such as astrolabes, dials and Qibla indicators. It is very likely that our indicator was also the product of an Isfahan workshop. For other similar examples sold at public auction see Millon, Paris, 3 December 2018, lot 187; Sotheby's, London, 31 March 2021, lot 68 and 26 April 2017, lot 171. Lot temporarily imported. The buyer will be required to pay import duties of 5.5% in addition to the hammer price unless the lot is immediately re-exported outside the European Union.