Miniature Brass Orrery
Riverside, CA: Bo Press Miniature Books, 2022. Hardcover. Pat Sweet describes herself as creating illuminated miniature books of curiosity, humor, and delight. She creates both miniature (under 3 inches) and macro-miniature (under 1 inch) books. She designs, prints, and binds all of her books and builds (by hand) all of her sculptural items. Orreries are mechanical devices that illustrate the motions of the planets and their satellites relative to the sun, and to each other. They are some of the most intricate and beautiful contraptions ever made. It is possible that one of the earliest examples is the Antikythera mechanism, discovered in 1901 and dating from well before 100 BC. This simple orrery is certainly not scientifically accurate, but the planets do move around the sun. The planets are made of antique brass beads and the painted wooden base has several different layers of filigreed brass. The supporting "legs" are brass earring backs. At this scale, the planet's moons or rings have not been included. Size: 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches (full extension). Base: 1 1/2 inches. In fine condition. ARTB/032023. Fine. More