The Mughal astrolabe of Lahore, made in 1612, comes from Sotheby’s with an estimate of up to 2.5 million pounds. The object combines science, power, and craftsmanship in one of the highest chapters of imperial production.
Why was Lahore a center of knowledge in the reign of Jahangir?
In the first decade of the 17th century, the Mughal empire experienced a strong cultural expansion under Emperor Jahangir. In that context, Lahore became a central hub for medicine, botany, and astrological studies.
That said, the city also stood out for the Lahore School, which combined Islamic and Hindu astronomical methods. From this tradition, astrolabes of exceptional quality were born, instruments capable of calculating time, date, stars, and latitude.
What makes the Mughal astrolabe sold by Sotheby’s unique?
The lot will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in London on April 29. The estimate ranges between 1.5 and 2.5 million pounds, equivalent to about 2-3.4 million dollars. Moreover, it could surpass the current auction record, just under 1 million pounds.
That record dates back to 2014 and concerns an Ottoman astrolabe from the 15th century. In comparison, this Mughal specimen has superior size and complexity, factors that affect its market positioning.
Called Astrolabe Aqa Afzal, it weighs almost 20 pounds, or about 9 kg, and has a diameter comparable to that of a large pot. It was therefore not a travel object but a large-format and highly specialized instrument.
Who commissioned it and who made it?
The astrolabe was produced in Lahore by two brothers of the third generation of a workshop founded by the court astronomer of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. The names are Qa’im Muhammad and Muhammad Muqim.
It is one of only two astrolabes attributed to these craftsmen. The other is located in the National Museum of Iraq, confirming its rarity and historical interest.
What technical features explain its value?
The instrument records longitudes and latitudes of 94 cities and shows the positions of 38 main stars, in addition to the 12 zodiac signs. It also calculates the height of buildings based on the length of shadows.
Furthermore, it includes specialized dials for trigonometry and calculations related to the sun. The technical precision is accompanied by strong aesthetic care, visible in the elegant calligraphy and refined workmanship.
The star pointers are connected by a floral motif with tulips and expanded petals, distinctive traits of the craftsmen involved. Overall, the formal quality reinforces the perception of the object as a work of art as well as a scientific instrument.
Who was Aqa Afzal and why does his provenance matter?
Aqa Afzal embodied the cosmopolitan nature of the Mughal world under Jahangir. Born in Shiraz, in present-day Iran, he came from the Safavid realm and moved east after falling out of favor at the court in the late 16th century.
For almost three decades, he served the Mughal empire in prominent roles, including that of deputy governor of Lahore. It was in that context that he acquired the astrolabe, which later entered high-level collecting circuits.
The instrument, among the largest existing, later belonged to the last sovereign of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, before passing to a private collection in London. Its trajectory reflects the long continuity of interest in prestigious scientific objects.
Overall, the passage of this masterpiece from Lahore to London brings back to the center the role of the scientific artifact in international collecting. To delve into the historical and astronomical context, you can consult the Sotheby’s website, the British Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
