Suwar al-kawākib
Published: 1417
Language: ara
Number of pages: 176
Subjects: Arab Astronomy; Arabic Manuscripts; Early works to 1800; Names; Stars; Constellations
Description: Text is an excellent authority on Arabic names for the stars and constellations; includes depictions of celestial constellations. Persian note before beginning of text claims that this book written in 820 H [1417], but the note probably dates from the 18th century when the book was rebound.
Notes: Ms.

Title from container.

Paper:  yellowed cream, watermarks, first two and last leaves repaired, dark stains on fol. 1a; traces of humidity on edges of paper.  Text in black, with rubricated headings and captions. Illustrations of constellations have colored ink and gold-colored pigment.  Catchwords on rectos. Some diacritical marks.

Library of Congress. Arabic manuscript, SM16.

Naskhi script; 19 lines in written area, 16 x 9 cm.

Illustrations (some colored) and tables.

Fol. 1b-173a.

Precious old binding.  Cover and pastedowns decorated and gilded.

Persian inscriptions of former owners on fol. 175b dated 1174 H [1760], 1202 H [1787], 1204 H [1789], and 1205 H [1790].

Fihris al-makhṭūṭāt al-ʻArabīyah fī maktabat al-Kūngris, 16-17.

Also available in digital form on the Library of Congress website.

Arabic; Persian verses on fol. 175b and Persian text on leaf inserted before beginning of text.