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Al Jazari Collection

Al-Jazari, a brilliant engineer and inventor from Syria in the 13th century, left an indelible mark on the world with his ingenious mechanical devices

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: Folio from an Automata by al-Djazari, Syria, 1315 (opaque w / c, ink & gold on paper)

Folio from an Automata by al-Djazari, Syria, 1315 (opaque w / c, ink & gold on paper)
FSG325350 Folio from an Automata by al-Djazari, Syria, 1315 (opaque w/c, ink & gold on paper) by Islamic School, (14th century); 31.5x21.9 cm; Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: 'The Elephant Clock'from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical

"The Elephant Clock"from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical
3615926 " The Elephant Clock" from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari, 1315 (ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper) by Islamic School

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: Diagram of a system for pumping water into a basin, from

Diagram of a system for pumping water into a basin, from
XIR155476 Diagram of a system for pumping water into a basin, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Djazari, 1206 (vellum) by Islamic School

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: Hand-washing automaton with flush mechanism, folio from

Hand-washing automaton with flush mechanism, folio from
FSG348657 Hand-washing automaton with flush mechanism, folio from The Book of Ingenious Mechanical Devices; by Al-Djazari, 1315 (opaque w/c, ink & gold on paper) by Islamic School

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: The Elephant Clock, Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical... A.H

The Elephant Clock, Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical... A.H
The Elephant Clock, Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by al-Jazari, dated A.H. 715/A.D. 1315

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: Machine Pouring Wine. (From: The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Jazari)

Machine Pouring Wine. (From: The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Jazari). Artist: Anonymous
Machine Pouring Wine. (From: The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Jazari). Found in the collection of The David Collection

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: Device for supplying water to a fountain, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious

Device for supplying water to a fountain, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious
XIR370218 Device for supplying water to a fountain, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Djazari, 1206 (vellum) by Islamic School, (13th century); Topkapi Palace Museum

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: Water Balance, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Djazari

Water Balance, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Djazari
XIR370217 Water Balance, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Djazari, 1206 (vellum) by Islamic School, (13th century); Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: Mechanical device for pouring water, illustration from the Book of Knowledge

Mechanical device for pouring water, illustration from the Book of Knowledge
XIR207293 Mechanical device for pouring water, illustration from the Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices, by Al-Djazari, 1206 (vellum) by Islamic School

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: Design for an automaton, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices

Design for an automaton, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices
XIR182452 Design for an automaton, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Djazari, 1206 (vellum) by Islamic School, (13th century); Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: Water clock with automated figures, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical

Water clock with automated figures, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical
XIR182444 Water clock with automated figures, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Djazari, 1206 (vellum) by Islamic School, (13th century); Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: Water Pump, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Djazari

Water Pump, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Djazari
XIR172275 Water Pump, from Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Djazari, 1206 (vellum) by Islamic School, (13th century); Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul

Background imageAl Jazari Collection: BEVERAGE DISPENSER, 1205. Musical beverage dispenser, shaped like a castle

BEVERAGE DISPENSER, 1205. Musical beverage dispenser, shaped like a castle, from Al-Jazaris The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices", c1205


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Al-Jazari, a brilliant engineer and inventor from Syria in the 13th century, left an indelible mark on the world with his ingenious mechanical devices. His creations were not only functional but also works of art, as seen in the folio from an Automata by al-Djazari dating back to 1315. One of his most famous inventions was "The Elephant Clock, " featured in a Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical. This remarkable timekeeping device showcased intricate craftsmanship with its opaque watercolor, ink, and gold design on paper. It not only told time but also entertained with automated figures moving alongside the majestic elephant. Another fascinating creation was a system for pumping water into a basin, depicted in a detailed diagram. Al-Jazari's understanding of hydraulics allowed him to develop efficient mechanisms that supplied water to fountains and other architectural features. Innovation extended beyond practicality as al-Jazari even designed hand-washing automatons with flush mechanisms. These automations ensured cleanliness while adding an element of surprise and delight. His expertise wasn't limited to hygiene; al-Jazari also explored ways to indulge in pleasures like wine pouring machines. An anonymous artist captured this mechanical device beautifully in one illustration from The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices. Water clocks were another area where al-Jazari excelled. He created stunning timepieces featuring automated figures that moved gracefully as minutes ticked away—a true fusion of engineering and artistry. Moreover, he developed devices such as water pumps and balances that revolutionized various industries during his era. From supplying water efficiently to powering mills or irrigation systems, these inventions improved people's lives significantly. Al-Jazari's legacy lives on through his extensive documentation within The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices—each page filled with awe-inspiring designs for automata and complex machinery alike. His contributions continue to inspire engineers today who strive to combine functionality with beauty in their creations.