CALLIGRAPHY

There are three main types

of calligraphy:

1. Western Calligraphy
2. Arabic Calligraphy
3. Oriental Calligraphy
 Western Calligraphy
• Western calligraphy, or calligraphy of the Latin
writing system, is generally what people in the
United States are discussing when they refer to the
craft of hand lettering.
• This style is useful for many different projects,
including hand-addressing invitations, creating
beautiful written artwork or poetry, and enhancing
other paper crafts.
Foundation Hand
• Typically, Foundation Hand is one of the first
calligraphy styles people study when they
are learning calligraphy. Also sometimes called
"Bookhand," it's one of the most basic styles you
can write, and it's also very easy to read. This means
it's a great choice for anything that needs to look
elegant but also legible, such as an address on an
invitation.
Italic Hand
• Another simple option in Western calligraphy
is Italic Hand. This style, also called Chancery, is
what most people think of when they imagine
something written in calligraphy. Each letter
slants gently to the right giving the typeface an
elegant, although still very legible, appeal. This
is the basis for the modern Italic typeface.
Roman Writing
• Also called the "Rustic Capitals," this style of
calligraphy features only capital letters. They
are chunky and not particularly uniform, giving
them an ancient and appealing look.
• This simple hand is a good choice for official-
looking documents, anything using Roman
numerals, and items that you want to look
antique.
Blackletter Script

• Also known as "Gothic Script," this style

involves thick, chunky letters. It dates from
the 12th century and is the type of
calligraphy you would find in old
manuscripts or illuminated texts. The
letters are angular and it's common for
them to intersect slightly with one another.
Copperplate Script

•Delicate and extremely elegant, Copperplate

Script is a beautiful style of calligraphy. The
distinguishing feature of Copperplate Script is
that it is created using a sharp pointed nib
instead of the flat nib used with most other
types of calligraphy. This gives it a spidery,
beautiful appearance that appeals to many
people.
 Arabic Calligraphy
• Arabic calligraphy, which is also known as
"Islamic calligraphy," had a very important
role in Islamic culture. Scribes used this
type of calligraphy to preserve and
reproduce the Qur'an, and many
considered it a way to represent God
without creating an image of Him.
Kufic Script

• The original form of Arabic calligraphy, Kufic

Script focuses heavily on horizontal motions
and geometric patterns. It also features marks
over the letters, sometimes created in a
contrasting red ink.
• Today, Kufic Script is popular for stone carving
or heavy ornamental work.
Naskh Script

• During the 10th century the Naskh

Script, a type of cursive writing,
replaced the more difficult Kufic
Script. Naskh Script involves delicate,
thin lines and is easy to read.
 Oriental Calligraphy
• Used throughout Asia in subtly different forms, Oriental or
Chinese calligraphy is an ancient and beautiful art form.
Artisans produce this type of calligraphy using a small,
tapered brush instead of a pen and nib. There is a very
strong emphasis on the motion of the letters, which
seems to give this style a life of its own.
• The traditional style, which is still used by scribes and
artisans today, is called "Kaishu."
 ACTIVITY
• Choose a quotation and write it
on a short bond paper. Apply one
type/style of calligraphy in your
writing.