Persian Zodiac

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]

• 'Kitâb al-Mawalid' is online at BNF's Mandragore site ['Arabe 2583'].
• 'Abu Ma'shar: Prince of Astrologers' at New-Library [Medieval Astrology].
• 'Astrology & Astronomy in Iran and Ancient Mesopotamia' at the Iran Chamber Society.
• Tangential: Aniconism in Islam.