Compilation cosmologique composite Lot n° 12

A curious composite cosmological compilation, 14th-19th century. Persian manuscript, 39 leaves, calligraphied in naskh script in sepia and black ink, constellation names in red, illustrated with 56 drawings of constellations, some original, others later replacements and additions. Silk cloth binding Size: 21 x 16 cm The manuscript opens with a title indicating that it is the cosmographic part of the Ajaïb al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) by Qazwini (d. 1238). However, the manuscript compiles several sources, including the Kitab suwar al-kawakib al-thabita (Treatise on the Fixed Stars) by Al-Sufi (d.986). On folio 78, the date 743 H. (=1342), indicates that this copy was initiated from an early section, then completed over time by different hands, thus offering an atypical testimony to the transmission of scientific texts. Provenance : Private collection, France. Persian manuscript, 39 ff., written in sepia and black naskh, headings in red ink, with 56 drawing of constellations, from several periods. The manuscript opens with a title indicating that it is the cosmographic part of the Ajaïb al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) by Qazwini (d. 1238). However, the manuscript compiles several sources, including the Kitab suwar al-kawakib al-thabita (Treatise on the Fixed Stars) by Al-Sufi (d.986). On folio 78, the datation AH 743 (AD1342) indicates that this copy was started from an early section and then completed over time by different hands, thus providing an atypical record of the transmission of scientific texts.