islamic art-qibla finder-wood lacquered-inv.n.3348-purchased Jacob Kilikian Istanbul-Ottoman 1151/1738-39-MIA - 14 07 09 055

this instrument was important for those erecting new mosque and for travelers. this is a large one for the casual traveler but perhaps could have been accomated in the retinue of a grandee, the most likely owner of this finely decorated piece. accuracy was not its fine point as it used a european map of the world north of equator with an inserted compass and a pointer at Mecca which unfortunately was not at the center. its decoration is a great success including the panorama of Mecca on the inside of the lid and the european inspired floral arabesque on the bottom-qibla finder-wood lacquered-inv.n.3348-purchased Jacob Kilikian Istanbul-Ottoman 1151/1738-39-MIA - 14 07 09 055