Calligraphy: Designs in ink

Human beings, down the ages, have created basic forms of lettering to enable communication and the flow of thoughts and ideas between people, groups, and even countries.

What stood as markings between a pair of lines were collections of handwritten words that served the purpose of relaying words and sentences. Creativity flowed into this rule-driven means of writing, conjuring fanciful lettering in which alphabets curved, swerved, and coursed like a song, intrinsically flowering into beautiful prints on a variety of surfaces like paper, cloth and stone. This, which has come to be known as calligraphy, is the art of stylised handwriting.

Coalescent with elegant lettering and beatific handwriting, calligraphies from around the world, and the scripts upon which they are based, add to the colourful amalgamation of this exquisite portrayal of letters. Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan calligraphy form the crux of South Asian calligraphy. Brahmi script was one of the main scripts upon which Indian calligraphy was initially based. East Asian calligraphy includes those from China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Recognised by the use of Latin script, religious Western calligraphy illumined the first letter of each chapter in medieval times.

Mayan glyphs, expressed by Mayan hieroglyphs or picture symbols, also constitute calligraphy, albeit not region-specific. Also known as Arabic calligraphy, Islamic calligraphy is more encompassing in that it takes under its awning calligraphies from Morocco to China. With a vast and vibrant history, it is not hard for the interested enthusiast to find out more about this recherche form of writing.

Ancient calligraphy and its evolution has led to the incorporation of this elegant art form in a variety of places and spaces in the modern world. Not only does it add value to the look, but also enhances the overall aesthetics of the product it wishes to highlight. Calligraphy in practice can be seen on book covers, mugs, t-shirts, umbrellas, clothes, and even directly on the skin (as tattoos). The art of calligraphy can also be seen on jewellery, shawls, dupattas and cushion covers. The end uses are therefore, innumerable.

Achyut Palav, an expert calligrapher, shares that reed pens, quill pens, and steel pens and brushes are some of the important tools used in contemporary penmanship. He also tells us that there are an umpteen number of pen-nibs available for the art, and that their usage is just as varied. Ink utilised for this craft is wide ranging, with the higher grades being sourced from Germany and China.

The size, shape and stretch of the brushes and pens used, the ink colour, its density, and the type of  surface used, are some of the features which influence the outcome of calligraphy. The calligrapher is required to simultaneously judge the ink intake, pressure, inclination of the pen, and the direction of the nib, whilst writing. Varied strokes and moves give the characters life, and shape their final appearance on paper. Done properly, the ink flows beautifully onto surfaces to create breathtaking formations.

Knowledge of scripts, styles, techniques, compositions, textures and specific instruments are all significant qualities needed for a calligrapher. Following a structured process, this art can be acquired by most as all it requires is focus, practice, and a desire to learn.

Artists all over the world continue to express and display, in beautiful ink, calligraphy in exhibitions and other platforms, thereby carrying forward an ancient art. Learning this fine art can convert one’s normal handwriting into superlative artistry, allowing vibrant styling to overwhelm ordinary writing.