Arabic Calligraphy Gift Set- Maghrebi Script

The products included in this gift set are:

• Reed Pen (Qalam)
• Glass Inkwell 15ml
• Likka (Raw Silk Fibres)
• Walnut Ink Crystals 5g
• Wooden Bamboo Mixer
• Arabic Letter Guide
• Instruction Manual
• Calligraphy Practice Sheets x 5

Description:

This Arabic Calligraphy gift box is inspired by the thousand-year-old tradition of writing Arabic with a reed pen. It offers a complete set suitable for both beginners and professionals, featuring fine quality products. A unique feature of this gift set is the inclusion of walnut ink crystals, allowing users to produce ink with the perfect consistency and depth of colour to suit their preferences. The gift set includes a letter guide detailing how to write in Arabic using the Maghrebi Script, as well as an instruction manual.

The Maghrebi script, also known as the Andalusi script, originated and flourished in the regions of al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) and extended to the western and northern parts of Africa. This includes present-day locations such as Morocco, Mali, and Sudan, reaching as far as Timbuktu.

Products info:

Reed Pen (Qalam):
The qalam is the traditional wooden pen used for writing in Arabic. Due to the soft nature and flexibility of the reed pen, it is ideal for meeting the precise requirements of Arabic calligraphy. The qalam included in this kit is hand-cut and prepared to a professional standard, ready for use. It has been sourced with the guidance of master calligraphers to ensure the highest quality. The average length of the qalams ranges from 21cm to 27cm, with the nib cut approximately 3mm in length. For Arabic calligraphy, the pen is traditionally held at an angle between 50º and 55º.

Inkwell:
A 15ml non-toxic glass inkwell with an airtight lid to keep the ink and likka secure.

What is Likka?
The likka consists of pure silk fibres traditionally used to prepare ink for Arabic calligraphy. By placing likka in the inkwell, it helps regulate the amount of ink that the qalam absorbs. This prevents pooling of ink as you write and reduces the risk of spills.

Walnut Ink Crystals:
This gift set comes with walnut ink in crystallised form. It offers a creative and enjoyable method to produce ink with your desired consistency and pigment strength. The instruction manual provides step-by-step guidance on ink preparation. Once made, the ink can last for an extended period. Ensure you keep the lid tightly closed when not in use and add a few drops of distilled water if it begins to dry out. For Arabic calligraphy, the best ink to use is water-based.

Maghrebi Script Letter Guide:
The Arabic Letter Guide included in this kit focuses on the Maghrebi Script – specifically, the Al Mabsoot Style. This guide walks you through each individual letter, step by step, illustrating the correct proportions of each one based on the ‘dot system’.

Instruction Manual:
A detailed manual which takes you through a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the inkwell and other materials.

Calligraphy Practice Sheets:
There are 5 blank gloss paper sheets included in this kit. Gloss paper is ideal for practicing Arabic calligraphy because its smoothness resembles the traditional paper known as Ahar or Maqahhar. This smooth surface allows the qalam strokes to glide effortlessly. It’s advisable to avoid standard printing paper when using the qalam and ink.

Mixer:
A small wooden stick with a handle to mix the ink when preparing and using it.

Eco-friendly packaging products and materials info:

Products:

• • Wooden Pen (Qalam): Made from quality reed 100% natural.
  • Inkwell: Made from recyclable glass. Comes with a fully recyclable aluminium lid.
  • Likka: Comprised of pure and natural raw silk fibres
  • Walnut Ink Crystals: Stored in a recyclable glass jar with an aluminium lid. 100% natural, sourced from crushed walnut husks.
  • Letter Guide and Instruction Manual: Printed on recycled uncoated paper. FSC registered.
  • Practice Sheets: Gloss-coated, made from 100% FSC recycled pulp by reusing post-consumer waste paper. Benefits include reduced waste to landfill, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and savings on water and energy. No wood used as a raw material.
  • Wooden Mixer: Crafted from bamboo, fully recyclable.

Packaging Materials:

• The recycled tissue is acid-free and FSC registered.
• The label stickers are made of uncoated recycled paper which is biodegradable and fully recyclable.
• The gift box is made from a mix of recycled and wastepaper and is 100% recyclable. Foil stamping is eco-friendly, and there should be no concerns about any negative long-term effects that it will have on the environment.
• For protection purposes, the kit is packed in an eco-friendly cardboard postal box.
• Lavender and flower petals are an aesthetic touch to provide freshness and a calming aroma.

This kit is plastic-free, eco-friendly, and fully recyclable. All products and materials within this kit are meticulously chosen for their quality and sustainability, and it is packaged with love and care.