Calligraphy

Calligraphy is the art of making letters look beautiful. People use special pens, brushes, and ink to write. Each letter is drawn with care. Calligraphy can be found in many cultures around the world.

Tools Used

Calligraphers use pens with flat tips called nibs. They also use brushes and bottles of ink. The paper needs to be smooth so the ink does not bleed. Some people use bamboo pens or feathers called quills.

An ancient Egyptian stone carved with neat rows of hieroglyph writing.
An ancient Egyptian stone carved with neat rows of hieroglyph writing. (George Shuklin / Wikimedia Commons)

Around the World

Chinese calligraphy uses brushes and is thousands of years old. Arabic calligraphy has lovely curves and swirls. Western calligraphy is often used for wedding invitations. Japanese calligraphy is called shodo.

Fun Facts

  • The word calligraphy comes from Greek words meaning beautiful writing.
  • Monks in old Europe spent years copying books with calligraphy.
  • In China, calligraphy is thought of as one of the highest art forms.

Did You Know?

Before there were printers, every book had to be written by hand with calligraphy. A single book could take years to finish.