The Art of Writing in Islamic Civilization ✍️🌍

🕌 The Aga Khan Museum , opened in 2014 in Toronto's North York (Wynford Drive), stands as North America's first museum dedicated to Islamic art . Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki , its stunning structure is a masterpiece itself. Today’s visit revealed a world behind the written word—from reed pens to silk-absorbed ink, from hand-burnished paper to geometrically precise calligraphy . Islamic calligraphy isn’t just writing; it’s a visual language of faith , blending craftsmanship and artistry . ✨ Styles of Script The Islamic world developed diverse calligraphic styles : - Kufic : Bold and solemn - Naskh : Elegant and legible - Diwani : Ornate, used for royal decrees - Nastaʿlīq : Poetic and flowing Each carries unique aesthetic and purpose . ✨ Tools of the Trade Calligraphers used: - Hollow reed pens (Qalam) - Natural inks (soot, ox gall, gum arabic) - Hand-dyed paper (polished for smooth ink absorption) Fun fact: Silk balls were used to control ink flow! ✨ Philosophy of Beauty In the 10th century, Ibn Muqla established a proportional system using dots and lines to standardize scripts. It’s not just writing—it’s "architecture of faith." 🕌📜 This reminded me of China’s "Four Treasures of the Study" (brush, ink, paper, inkstone)—two civilizations, one reverence for the written word . #ContemporaryArt #ArtMuseum #ArchitecturalBeauty #GalleryVisits #ArtIsForever #Canada #TorontoRoadTrip #TorontoLife #MyMuseumDiary