The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (Ravindran a/l Munusamy 1106636)

Last week, I have visited The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. The following is the research that I have done throughout my visiting:

Introduction of the museum

The museum opened in 1998. Since then it has become one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to a field that is attracting more interest than ever. This museum is committed to creating a collection that is representative of the entire Islamic world. Instead of concentrating on Iran and the Middle East, there is also a wide range of artifacts from China, India and Southeast Asia. The rest of the collection is displayed according to the following theme: Architecture, Qur’ans & Manuscripts, Jewellery, Arms & Armour, Textiles, Living with Wood, Coins & Seals,  Metalwork, and Ceramics & Glassware.

The Background and also the Origins of the Islamic Art

The Islamic system of beliefs is universally accepted by all Muslims and strongly influences their day to day lives.  The term Islamic art is not restricted to objects strictly of a religious nature. It encompasses a wide spectrum of artistic objects and artifacts from the peoples of the Islamic world; objects for utilitarian purposes and everyday use, as well as finer objects reserved for royalty or ceremonial occasions; both the fine arts as well as the decorative arts.  The first follower of Muhammad, coming from the Arab Peninsula, had no native artistic tradisions comparable to those of the empires they conquered. Many of these tradisions were subsequently adopted and acted as a starting point for the development of a culture that was to become characteristically Islamic.

Some other research I have done

Of of the part that makes me curious to know more is about the “Islamic Architecture of India and the Subcontinent”. When Islam reached the Indian subcontinent it encountered an already complex and well-developed Hindu culture. Islamic architecture adapted itself to local styles and materials in order to create distinctive Islamic structures such as mosques, mausoleums and palace complexes. The earliest extant mosque in the subcontinent is the Quwwat - al Islam complex and Qutb Minar, a minaret  constructed in the late 12^th century.

Another art that really impressed me is the “Taj Mahal”.  It is located in Mughai India, Agra. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This magnificent structure of white marble inlaid with precious gems such as agate and jasper ranks as one of the wonders of the world. A synthesis of Indian and Persian architecture, its master arthitect, Ustad Isa, designed it. Taj Mahal took 22 years to construct with a labour force of 20, 000 workers. It cost more than 32 million rupees upon its completion in 1648 AD.