Calligraphy Alphabet
75Calligraphy means beautiful writing and is an ancient art.
The history of calligraphy dates back to the Stone Age. Around 2,500BC the first real writing known as cuneiform, was invented in Mesopotamia. Using a wedge shaped tool, marks were etched into clay making the marks, which represented the sounds of the words. In 1,500BC the Chinese developed a script consisting of more than 1,500 characters representing an idea rather than a sound or letter. In 1,000BC the Phoenicians created an alphabet of 22 letters. In about 500BC the Greeks adapted this calligraphy alphabet also adding a,e,i,o. During the 1st Century AD the Ancient Romans adapted the Greek alphabet to produce their own 23 capital letters. This was the beginning of the calligraphy alphabet as we know it today. Between the 1st and 10th century AD the J, U and W were added making the 26 letter alphabet.
Don't be overawed by this inspiring skill...be inspired by it! It is an incredible art form, it is highly impressive, but I guarantee that simply with the right guidance, a pen and paper, you will become assured at it.
You have a pen, you have paper, and now with this calligraphy book, you have all the guidance you need
The monks started using a calligraphy style known as the uncial (un~shull) to write the religious books in the 6th century AD. The Gothic style emerged during the 13th to the 15th century AD when the letters where drawn narrower to fit more letters on a line. The Gothic style was difficult to master and toward the end of the 1400's Italics was developed. In 1450 the printing press hand written calligraphy lost its popularity. Edward Johnston revived the art of calligraphy around 1900 creating a calligraphy alphabet based on the 10th century manuscript known today as Foundational calligraphy.
Even with all the technology available today calligraphy is still practiced by many.
Today, you can find calligraphy alphabet stamps in most craft stores. But even though calligraphy takes alot of practice, everyone can learn the true art of calligraphy. This is a great way to create inexpensive handwritten wedding invitations, wedding announcements, birth announcement and baby shower announcements. The list goes on and on you can also use the calligraphy to personalize your scrapbooks.
Here is a sample sheet, which you can use to practice the basic calligraphy alphabet.
But first things first, you need to remember the following:
Practice Sheet
Calligraphy Tools and Techniques
Incredible example of working with the Calligraphy Alphabet
Other resources
Information about uncial calligraphy alphabet
Read this article on calligraphy pens
More calligraphy alphabet facts
Like most things the more you practice the better you will become at creating a calligraphy alphabet
Calligraphy Alphabet in the News
- SALAM: The Alif as calligraphy’s unit of proportionThe Peninsula2 days ago
Geometric principles play an essential role in Arabic calligraphy, as Khatibi and Sijelmassi write in The Splendor of Islamic Calligraphy, the legibility of a text and the beauty of its line require rules of proportion. These rules of proportion are based upon the size of the alif.
- Carolyn Livengood: Floral arts exhibit in South San FranciscoSan Mateo County Times10 hours ago
The South San Francisco Cultural Arts Commission invites everyone to its unique Floral Art & Calligraphy Exhibit from 7 to 9 p.m. on July 10 and from 10 a.
- Calligraphy Strokes of Elegance
DNA: Lifestyle: Strokes of elegance Mumbai: You've seen those beautifully handwritten scripts inscribed on stone monuments or in religious manuscripts written on palm leaves. Now see scripts come... - 2 months ago
- Calligraphy Alphabet
Calligraphy just means “beautiful writing”, it was the script by used to hand write books. The calligraphy alphabet was used by many for about 15,000 years. And it goes without saying that this resulted in many different forms of calligraphy. Calligraphy today is used to create decorative hand written notes, invitations and to decorate photo albums [...] - 11 months ago
- calligraphy?
my boyfriend had bought me a beautiful, expensive calligraphy set a few years ago. I haven't used it because I can't figure out how to get the nib to stay on the pen (it's a feather type). The brand is Stuart Houghton Ltd. I actually lost one of the nibs in an ink well because I [...] - 8 months ago
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Comments
GOD BLESS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!
I love to do Calligraphy. It is now my second natural writing because I've been doing it so long.Nice hub- thanks!
Thanks for this informative hub!
loved your videos kik butt
Calligraphy is a great art. I still feel that it is very difficult to master. I had seen some wonderful works by Arabic Calligraphic artists. They are incredible. Great hub
Best Regards
WOW i cant belive it! i used to think Caligraphy was boring but it is fun to write!
CALLIGRAPHY- its an amazing art. i only use calligraphy to decorare my front pages and projects its really fun and easy.
I'm yet to learn how draw calligraphy but I love it. It really interesting thank's
I think every work does require practise, even calligraphy does.Even I can do calligraphy but I think its very difficult.Sallut to all who can do calligraphy in arabic.
Diane Lockman says:
2 years ago
I had no idea that the tools of calligraphy were so fascinating! An ink stone, a pestle to mix with, and a real bird's quill with which to write is so romantic and old-fashioned. I have always admired the beautiful appeal of calligraphy, and I'm pleased to learn more about the art.