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星象盤 Astrolabe
13世紀 13th century
埃及 Egypt
黃銅嵌銀 Brass with silver inlay
這件沒有署名的星象盤來自埃及阿尤布王朝(1169-1250)，是遵循了同類天文儀器的規範製作而成。星象盤的盤頂部突出的三角形設計，稱為座，座的上端有一圓環，利於懸掛。座上銘文出自《可蘭經》，寫著：「真主是最佳的守護者。」星象盤的外圍有一圈有刻度的齒輪。從正面嵌入星象盤，盤上刻有開羅和亞歷山大卓緯度的標記。星象盤過去被用在測量緯度、對時、確認麥加的方向、解決天文問題，以及占卜星象等用途。
This unsigned astrolabe from Ayyubid Egypt follows the normal pattern of construction for such astronomical devices. It consists of a circle surmounted by a triangular section, or throne, to which a ring for suspension is attached. The inscription on the throne is a Qur'anic phrase,"God is the best guardian". The body of the astrolabe has an outer rim and is indented on the front surface to hold a disc which is incised with markings for the latitudes of Cairo and Alexandria. Astrolabes were used to measure altitudes, determine the time, to establish the direction of Mecca, to solve astronomical problems and to compile horoscopes. 資料：香港藝術館
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