Calligraphy

 

CALLIGRAPHY
Calligraphy is the historically validated artistic discipline.It is the art of writing beautifully with a special brush or pen. It is categorised as a visual art, the execution of lettering with a broad tipped  instrument brush which aesthetically pleases the reader is known as calligraphy.However,Calligraphy is not merely a beautiful handwriting,undeniably true,but these interpretations do no justice to calligraphy as this craft is much more than just well-performed penmanship. In fact, it is these half-hearted theories that are dimming both the value and characteristics of the calligraphic discipline. In looking at a piece of calligraphy, we may admire the way a calligrapher manipulated the brush to create an object of beauty in which rhythmic energy is conveyed through strokes and dots done with ink. Changes in ink gradation, the relationship between characters, and the elegance of a single line can entice viewers regardless of the legibility of the text.
There are three main types of calligraphy that are to be named Western, Arabic, and Eastern. Each of these include several lettering sub-styles or hands.
Western calligraphy:
In the earlier era, alphabets were being written with specific structural standards in mind. Since a majority of regional populations were illiterate, leaders both political and religious,hired professional scribes for the sole purpose of transcribing data into written form.As a result several writing styles originated, in this era of western calligraphy merged different forms like Rotunda and Gothic.If one Calligrapher emphasized roundness of letters,then the latter favoured more pointy ended letters. The most recognizable use of the Western lettering is in the Latin script which underwent numerous drastic changes over the centuries as the ruling dynasties switched places.Western Calligraphy's tools include a flat-balled or round-nipped pen, a brush, water-based ink, high-quality paper or parchment, a knife for removing work and templates.
Arabic calligraphy:
Arabic calligraphy stands out as a unique kind of Calligraphy mostly  because of its rich and cultural aura and how it subdivides itself into so many other fonts like Kufic,mahrebi,dewani,nasta'liq and naksh which further varies into thuluth, reqa and muhaqqaq.all these fonts have the same language yet their fonts and styles are so astonishingly different from each other and can also generically have seperate set of rules and proportions. In the caliphate of Utham Ibn Affan with the first written version of the Qura'an by Zaid Ibn Thabit,Arabic calligraphy first came into existence and Qura'an being the highest form of Arabic literature was widespread among the muslims written in varieties of calligraphic manner and the art of Arabic lettering soon became the most respected art genre.
Unlike the other former calligraphies,Arabic calligraphy’s early development was not a linear process.For instance, Visier Ibn Muqla is famous for codifying the principles of calligraphy, including his theory of proportion, which calligraphers use to this day. His theory of proportion established the rhomboid dot and the length of the alif (ا) stroke as the units of measurement by which all letters in a particular script are calculated.His theory was later improvised by Ibn al-Bawwab, who refined several of Ibn Muqla’s scripts, and is purported to have invented the cursive scripts of Rayhani and Muhaqqaq.Succeeding both of them came Yaqut al Musta’simi,who was a scribe in the royal court who further systematized the method of proportional measurements and began the practice of cutting the pen nib at a slant, a seemingly minor change that forever changed the aesthetic and methodology of Arabic calligraphy. In this manner,the modern times saw many alterations made to traditional lettering, resulting in a unique contemporary Arabic calligraphy that led many aspires many islamic calligraphers to learn as well as experiment with the structuring of letters.
Eastern calligraphy:
The Chinese name for calligraphy is shūfǎ  in Traditional Chinese, literally the method or law of writing the Japanese name shodō  literally the way or principle of writing; the Korean is seoye literally the art of writing and the Vietnamese is Thư pháp meaning the way of letters or words. The calligraphy of East Asian characters is an important and appreciated aspect of East Asian culture.
In India,the art of calligraphy perhaps began in second century AD where the language was transferred on bhojpatra which was used as the writing surface. Palm leaves were the most commonly used leaves as their surface was perfect for writing with a wooden pen. It developed over a period of time, with religious texts becoming the most frequent vehicle for calligraphy in India. Devnagiri is one of the best example for authentic Indian calligraphy and represents the true artistic expression of lettering both hindi and sanskrit.
Calligraphy,with time periodically divided itself into Traditional and modern.
Traditional:
traditional or classic calligraphy Is the rigid, controlled calligraphy that can be seen in old Bibles, poems, and the Declaration of Independence.like Copperplate calligraphy that has small flourishes, and sometimes have large, a beautiful script, and what most people would picture as traditional calligraphy.Traditional calligraphy is an Elegant and sophisticated form of writing that requires the calligrapher to abide by discipline and strictly follow the former rules that include Consistent lines, angles, and spacing throughout Proportions.
Neutral color palette must be used for traditional calligraphy and is Typically associated with pointed pen.
Modern calligraphy:
Modern calligraphy ranges from functional inscriptions and designs to fine-art pieces where the letters may or may not be readable. Modern calligraphy is a fresh, new style that brings a flexibility and uniqueness that is both appealing and accessible. Modern Calligraphy can be anything from profligacies of Lettering to writing in a chaotic,reckless,untidy and muddled way.
Modern Calligraphy is a wonderful way of writing not only because it looks beautiful or mesmerizing but because the calligraphers do not stress upon the formality of writing,they are free to write in any way they please which instantly relaxes their mind resulting in showcasing their full artistic expression and capability.
Technique:
The shape, size, stretch, and hair type of the ink brush, the color, color density and water density of the ink, as well as the paper’s water absorption speed and surface texture are the main physical parameters influencing the final result. The calligrapher’s technique also influences the result. The calligrapher’s work is influenced by the quantity of ink and water he lets the brush take, then by the pressure, inclination, and direction he gives to the brush, producing thinner or bolder strokes, and smooth or toothed borders. Eventually, the speed, accelerations, decelerations of the writer’s moves, turns, and crochets, and the stroke order give the “spirit” to the characters, by greatly influencing their final shapes.