The world of calligraphy

Q: What is the origin of calligraphy?

Some historians claim this art originated in the Phoenicians and dates from 1,200 BC. Then, the Greeks would have taken up the idea before transmitting them to the Romans. It is the latter who have developed this writing technique the most. However, some believe that calligraphy originated during the Shang Dynasty in China. In any case, these different cultures greatly influenced this form of writing.

Q: What tools were used to make calligraphy when it appeared?

The tools differed from place to place. Ancient Japanese calligraphers used their hair to write, while reeds cut like pens were advocated in the Persian Empire.

Asia

Travelers who want to know more about this technique will mainly have to go to Asian countries where calligraphy is still widely practiced. That said, these writing styles have evolved over the years. Thus, this discovery can start in Asia, where it is a true ancestral art. By the way, oriental calligraphy includes three primary cultures: Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Each zone has its styles and symbols. Since these three countries are incredibly proud of this heritage, they all preserve these lettering styles. In addition, tourists who venture into places such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and some regions of China will quickly realize that these traditional characters are still used. As such, they can also tour Tokyo to admire historical Japanese and Chinese calligraphic works in the famous Museum of Calligraphy. To get a deeper look at more Japanese calligraphy works, tourists must go to Taito Japanese Calligraphy Museum, where there are about 16 000 varied pieces. They can also stop by the Mitsuo Aida Museum, which highlights the poet Mitsuo Aida's contemporary works around this form of writing. Those who wish to learn this art will get an introductory session in Asakusa Judaya, Yanesen Tourist Information & Culture Center and Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, where they can write their names. In China, Wuxi Paintings and Calligraphy Museum is another must-see. Located in Canal Park, travelers will view a beautiful exhibition and collection of Wuxi's famous calligraphy and painting works, such as The Painting Saints of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. However, those who want to see the manual created by Wang Xizhi called The Preface to the Orchid Pavilion will have to detour to the Palace Museum in Beijing. Also, tourists must know they can admire this art by strolling along Liulichang Street south of Tiananmen. It is a pedestrian street that has been specially re-designed for tourism. They will also find small shops where equipment is sold to practice calligraphy, but some also exhibit works of famous artists. For the record, some Chinese lettering characters are nowadays used in Western cultures. Concretely, this art is essential in Eastern culture because it allowed them to understand literature and develop a particular mental discipline. Tourists will also find this art in Tibetan culture because many Buddhist religious works incorporate this form of writing. It is known as South Asian calligraphy and is used in regions such as Tibet, Nepal and India. For example, in Tibetan culture, it is said that high-ranking people, including the Dalai Lama, use this art. On the Indian side, various techniques are used, including fired clay, copper or birch bark. Moreover, tourists can visit the Qutb complex to admire an example of Indian lettering. They will see some inscriptions of the Kufic style on site. When it comes to Latin or Western calligraphy, the fonts are quite different depending on their region of origin. This form of writing dates back to Roman times and is highly recognized due to the use of the Latin alphabet. Long used in the 10th century, this art has evolved, and although this calligraphy is only used for some symbols and characters because it has been significantly modernized, it is still possible to see some examples, especially in the Vulgate of 1407 AD. It was handwritten in Belgium by Gerard Brils. For this, travelers will have to make a stop at Malmesbury Abbey in Wiltshire in England. Arabic calligraphy is an art that has continued to evolve since its appearance. There are even six types, including Kfi, Thuluth, Nesih, Rika, Reyhani and Tevki. This form of lettering is mainly found on the walls of mosques. Moreover, a highly-known street artist El Seed often uses this calligraphy in his works. It is possible to see his exhibitions worldwide, including the principal mosque of Gabes. Nevertheless, tourists will be privileged to know more about it if they visit the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition. This event usually takes place at Wafi Mall and is focused on classical, modern and decorative calligraphy, including traditional forms of this art. Works of leading artists such as Khaled Ben Slimane from Tunis, Lulwah Al Homoud from Saudi Arabia and Jamal Abdul Rahim from Bahrain are also exhibited in the mall. Also, Turkish calligraphy is to be explored by travelers, and they will have to go to the historical Beyazit medrese to visit the famous Museum of Turkish Calligraphy. Advanced Ottoman art that is indulged in the Arabic-called Hat art is exposed. In the collection, tourists can find the work of Sey Mehmed Selim el Kadiri, who wrote the entire Qur'an on a blackboard from 1880 to 1887. ◄

Festivals - The world of calligraphy

FAQ - The world of calligraphy

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What is the origin of calligraphy?
Some historians claim this art originated in the Phoenicians and dates from 1,200 BC. Then, the Greeks would have taken up the idea before transmitting them to the Romans. It is the latter who have developed this writing technique the most. However, some believe that calligraphy originated during the Shang Dynasty in China. In any case, these different cultures greatly influenced this form of writing. 
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What tools were used to make calligraphy when it appeared? 
The tools differed from place to place. Ancient Japanese calligraphers used their hair to write, while reeds cut like pens were advocated in the Persian Empire.