Thursday, December 7, 2006

Persian Zodiac

Taurus


Scorpio


Virgo


Sagittarius


Pisces


Libra


Leo


Gemini


Capricorn


Aquarius


Aries


Cancer


Demon


These images come form an egyptian manuscript from the 14th/15th centuries. It reproduces a persian astrological treatise from ~9th century - 'Kitâb al-Mawalid' - by Abû Ma'shar, said to have been the most influential document in the development of western astrology. [I believe it is otherwise known as 'The Book of Nativities' or 'The Book of Revolution of the Birth Years'.]

Although produced in Cairo, the manuscript illustrations were almost certainly by a persian artist. The 36 pages consist of a few devils or demons (last image above) together with horoscope zodiac figures - usually 3 illustrations per zodiac sign. [I removed all the library stamps and cleaned up - ever so slightly - a little of the background markings]

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