How Do People Use Calligraphy?

A collection of calligraphy ink and pens.

Calligraphy is the art of fine handwriting. The name comes from the Greek word for beautiful writing, kalligraphia. But calligraphy is more than just fancy writing. It is a form of art that is prestigious in many cultures and even sacred in others. It is successful only when the artist is a master of the careful manipulation of the pen, ink and consistent stroke.

Pens and Nibs

Calligraphers use a different kind of pen for their art.

Calligraphers learn to write complicated fonts that require multiple strokes and train to use different pens with differently shaped ends called nibs, which are usually interchangeable and write with varying levels of thickness. So many varieties of letter design and alphabets exist that artists often group letters by shape and starting stroke to help them stay consistent with their creations. Strokes and lines follow set patterns but there is still room for a calligrapher to personalize their designs.

Islamic Art

This Spanish marble relief is decorated with Islamic calligraphy.

The religion of Islam forbids images under certain circumstances, and this in part has led to writing becoming the central pillar of Islamic art. The Arabic alphabet also has a free flowing shape that naturally exhibits a lot of decorative and artistic potential. Sacred texts from the Quran are incorporated into elaborate calligraphy that covers small items like ceramic accessories or large sacred murals that cover while buildings to give the design a talisman-like effect.

Crafts, Decor and Advertising

Calligraphy is equally important to marketing associates and home decorating consultants who use artistic writing as part of a larger design. Posters and other large print advertisements use calligraphy to draw the eye of a potential consumer. Formal occasions like weddings or dinners need fancy script for more than just the invitations. The thank you notes, seat assignments, guest list and virtually everything else that contains writing will require the use of calligraphy.

Chinese Calligraphy

The tongue of this Chinese dragon is decorated with calligraphy.

In China, calligraphy is an ancient art that has been practiced since the dawn of history. This was the natural progression of the Chinese alphabet, which is based on pictorial images and contains thousands of differently designed characters. This revered artistic genre is seen as an art in Chinese culture and is also used to display spiritual messages, poetic versus or decorative family names. Skilled calligraphers in China are held in very high regard and their work is designed to denote a profound feeling, phrase or lesson.

References

• Quillwriter: What Is Calligraphy Hand Writing?
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Calligraphy in Islamic Art
• China Page: Appreciation of The Art of Chinese Calligraphy
• Dancing Pens Calligraphy: Wedding Calligraphy