Just across the East River from Manhattan is Queens, one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the nation. Attracting immigrant from all over the world, a study in 2006 revealed that 44 percent of its residents were foreign born. Just a stroll through the grocery stores of the borough reveals its diversity; produce stands spill onto the sidewalks, bearing fruits and vegetables from other continents, unrecognizable to the eyes of a fourth-generation American. The scene was a perfect primer for meeting Christopher Calderhead and Holly Cohen, the editors of The World Encyclopedia of Calligraphy. Wholly illustrated with rich imagery, the book introduces professionals, students and beginners to the methods of calligraphy. Like the vast complexity of Queens, The World Encyclopedia of Calligraphy reveals the array of styles found around the world, and how each culture fosters or ignores the practice and development of letter arts.
Their quest for samples led them to contact people all over the globe, from Thai gallery owners to secluded Cambodian monks. Doing what no other study of calligraphy has done before, this book takes a broad survey of the world, rather than focusing on the practice of one specific region. Yet because of the vast languages covered in the book, cultural sensitivity was paramount and often overwhelming. “Fortunately, living in New York was great for this,” explained Christopher. “There are a lot of people from all different cultures here, eager to promote their values.” In New York City’s Chinese enclaves, for example, parents eagerly send their children to Chinese school, where the practice of calligraphy is taught and encouraged.
Calligraphy is still very strong in Asia and the Middle East, especially where religions require students to practice handwritten craftsmanship. In Judaism, for example, a qualified scribe is required to write the mezuzah, a piece of parchment that contains a Hebrew verse from the Torah that many families hang on the door frames of their homes. But just because a culture’s language is based on a handwritten script, does not mean the art is still practiced. “Calligraphy is not thriving in a lot of these cultures,” explained Christopher. “In India, calligraphy has a similar role as Western calligraphy, kind of a subset of graphic design. It’s specialized and few people do it.”
Sterling Publisher Co., Inc., (c) Christopher Calderhead and Holly Cohen
Spreads from The World Encyclopedia of Calligraphy, 2011.
During the 1970s, calligraphy experienced a huge resurgence, led by Donald Jackson, the official scribe to the Crown Office in the UK. Calligraphy guilds and associations flourished, bringing a whole new generation into the fold. But since the 1990s, when word processing software came on the scene, the field has seen a slow decline. The community remains active, however: a recent holiday fair thrown by the Society of Scribes, a New York City-based non-profit organization that fosters the study of calligraphy, saw a large gathering of professionals, amateurs and beginners, taking part in how-to workshops and holiday shopping. Children eagerly mastered the proper method of holding a pen, while their grandparents learned the process of gilding.
As a teacher at Pratt, Christopher’s class is more of a sampler, introducing students to the basic hand of Humanist Roman before advancing to more playful techniques like making giant letter forms with sponges and creating calligraphic designs on the streets of Manhattan. “In the past, I would hand students one sheet of paper with the master alphabet, and they would work with that one sheet of paper for the entire term, very content to try and figure out how these strokes are made and how they join up,” Christopher said. “Now, it seems students lack the focus and attention required for the practice. It can take three years of concerted practice to master one of the classic scripts.” Like learning a musical instrument or a dance, practice is required to build such muscle memory. Holly leaned forward and added, “When I first started studying calligraphy about twelve years ago, I ended up having surgery on my thumb. I practiced so much that I developed carpal tunnel, and that was just from the alphabet, over and over.”
Chappell Ellison
A calligraphy workshop at the annual Society of Scribes holiday fair.
Despite dwindling interest in the tradition of calligraphy, people seem to be more passionate about letter forms today than ever. Computers instigated an awareness of typography that has, over the years, percolated into countless image blogs that document found examples of handwritten lettering. Christopher showed me the work of Luca Barcellona, an Italian-born graphic artist who began with graffiti and eventually studied traditional calligraphy (see video below). His work is a hybrid, exuding all the flow of classic script while maintaining a contemporary edge. But even with such experimental artists, calligraphy classes are becoming harder to find, and more specialized.
Maybe an overhaul of identity is just what calligraphy needs. When we seek relief in our overscheduled lives, we often go no further than yoga or a glass of wine. But watching Christopher and other scribes work in peaceful silence, with an almost ballet-like agility, calligraphy could be repositioned as a healthy means of dealing with stress. “I have to say, for me, it’s in the stick ink from Japan or China,” said Holly. “When you put it on the stone, and there’s a scent, and just the sound of it… the motion is very zen. It’s very relaxing and really inspired me.”
“Frankly, in the United States, if all the calligraphers disappeared tomorrow, I don’t think anyone would notice,” laughed Christopher. It’s true, machines have taken over some of the few remaining jobs for calligraphers, namely wedding invitations and college diplomas. But nothing will ever replace the quality and flow of an original work from a scribe. The richness of the paper and the varying density of ink from changes and hand pressure could never be captured by a machine or reproduction. “I do think there’s going to be some kind of reaction, some kind of craft movement, ” Holly said with a smile. “People are going to always want something more handmade. The pendulum will swing back.”
To learn more about the Society of Scribes and the classes they offer, visit their website. The World Encyclopedia of Calligraphy is now available at your local bookstore.
Chappell Ellison is a designer, writer and design writer. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York where she serves as a contributor for The Etsy Blog and design columnist for GOOD.
78 comments
Sign in to add your ownVintageEye says:
Fascinating!
1 year ago
NateWhittaker says:
Great article, I really look up to the control displayed in calligraphy. I wish my hand was as calm and graceful!
1 year ago
AlisaDesign says:
Beautifuul!!!
1 year ago
morij says:
This was an amazing article. I work with Japanese calligraphy every day and find it both challenging and peaceful. Thank you for sharingI It makes me want to get my brushes out!!
1 year ago
peshka says:
So nice! love the art of Calligraphy!
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Great article!
1 year ago
seasidecloth says:
Some interesting information here... too bad it has become a lost art in some cultures...
1 year ago
KMA28 says:
Amazing! I am not known for my great handwriting... but this video is so inspiring and powerful it makes me want to look for classes in my area! Its wonderful to have something handmade with such amazing detail. You can really see all the effort the artist put into it!
1 year ago
KKSimpleRegalJewelry says:
I LOVE calligraphy!! Its a great art and talent to be able to use. ~KK~
1 year ago
KaeArtworks says:
My mom is a professional Japanese calligrapher for over 40 years (I'm selling some of her work here) and I started learning the calligraphy from my mom when I was 3. At that time, most children were going to a calligraphy class in their neighborhood. That was kind of a norm and one of the ways for parents to descipline their kids. However, nowadays, the importance of calligraphy skill was replaced with computer softwares and people lost a great chance to show the skill or appreciate the unique culture and artistry. That's sad and I think it's also a lost culture in Japan.
1 year ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
I have been doing traditional calligraphy for a long time, and I am sad it is somewhat a lost art but happy that I am skilled in something rare.
1 year ago
jojosvintagecupboard says:
So beautiful!! Very interesting article!
1 year ago
Jackphelpsstudio says:
Amazing! Love it !
1 year ago
audreytolove says:
Interesting!
1 year ago
LabyrinthLeather says:
That was awesome and a wonderful read overall to wake up to :)
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Beautiful!!!
1 year ago
studiopax says:
love calligraphy. so nice to read this article and learn more.
1 year ago
CreativeCardsForYou says:
Amazing!
1 year ago
Nikifashion says:
Wonderful!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
The pendulum will swing back.. agreed! We need to meld the old and the new :)
1 year ago
ElisabethSpace says:
I'm pretty sure watching that video lower my blood pressure by a few points. So fluid and beautiful!
1 year ago
feltstories says:
so nice
1 year ago
josephinesabbey says:
Such a beautiful work! I will keep practicing it someday. Tks again to display those wonderful works! Josephine
1 year ago
RetroRevivalBoutique says:
Such an interesting, and beautiful post! :)
1 year ago
PinwheelStudio says:
What a wonderful article! Harkens back to my art history studies, and I learned some new, neat things too! Thanks for the post!
1 year ago
Melissababycreations says:
Great article!
1 year ago
volkerwandering says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
GalleryJuana says:
I love the sound and smell of the ink sticks too! Great article.
1 year ago
PruAtelier says:
What a great article on another valuable lost art! I have often admired the cursive dance that languished across beautiful papers, each spectacular pen stroke at a time.... I often wondered too, how earlier penmanship such as that found from the 19th Century to at least the early 20th Century was taught, it being so breathtaking! The many beautiful strokes of Oriental alphabets have quite the appeal as well. I have a few 19th Century calling cards and marvel at the light, extraordinarily fine script, not a little jealous because as a left-handed person myself, attempting it would garner an unwelcome smear! For me then, I have to make myself happy scouring the available computer fonts never quite happy with what is available, wishing to come upon that one that will still my heart!
1 year ago
tennyoceres says:
Totally adding that book to my wishlist. I love doing Japanese calligraphy. It's a calming exercise and I can create beautiful art to boot.
1 year ago
cartelle says:
Just incredible, my uncle gave me a calligraphy set when I was about 8 and though I haven't touched it in years I remember the patience and discipline it demanded from me.
1 year ago
StyleGraphicDesign says:
Magic!
1 year ago
MJSGems says:
What a beautiful art! they make it look easy!.
1 year ago
DaisyandFlorrie says:
Calligraphy is alive and well! There are numerous calligraphy guilds and societies across the world. Most sponsor workshops and classes of all kinds. Donald Jackson recently finished the first hand-lettered Bible in 500 years! Known as the St. John's Bible, it was commissioned by St. John's Abbey in Minnesota. Various pages of the Bible have been on exhibition and are stunning. It's wonderful that Etsy and others are spreading the fascinating art of calligraphy in all its many forms.
1 year ago
yellowtangerine says:
Just watching the pen strokes over the paper made me happy
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Great article! Wonderful art!
1 year ago
jbeaudet says:
I have such admiration for those who can write beautifully. This article reminds me of my lettering class in college. I'm left handed, and my instructor pretty much said, "good luck with that". He told me that another left handed student he had turned her paper upside down to get the angles right. Needless to say I didn't persue this but I did earn an A for effort!
1 year ago
Powerofflower says:
Wonderful article! :)
1 year ago
quietbutterfly says:
Amazing post! Love it!
1 year ago
Justlena says:
Great article!Beautiful art!
1 year ago
MandLyn says:
Awesome Article, great video.....thanks for sharing with us.
1 year ago
Craftelina says:
Dear Chappell, Thank you very much for the article. We have great interest in calligraphy and are always curious to see examples and learn about traditions. You share very interesting subjects with Etsy people and that is relly appreciated. Of course, we are looking forward to the new articles in 2012. :) Happy New Year! ig & vik of Craftelina
1 year ago
Guchokipa says:
In Japan, children learn shodo, the way of the brush, in school and after school. Some people continue to work on mastering this art all of their lives. There are museums here dedicated to great works of calligraphy. And one of the traditions during New Years is to engage in kakizome, the first writing of the year. You choose auspicious kanji and write it usually on the second day of the holiday. There is a ceremony mid-January held at many temples to burn the paper with the hope that the ashes will fly high, helping the written hope come true. While many here worry about the loss of shodo practitioners, there is no loss of appreciation for good calligraphy in Japan.
1 year ago
Art2ArtColorado says:
what a wonderful article! thank you!
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Calligraphy is so awesome. Love the post!
1 year ago
MaJentaDesigns says:
very interesting!
1 year ago
Feille says:
Love calligraphy. I picked up a pen set at a flea market years ago and never put it down. Some day I would love to learn to do it with brushes. I used to write calligraphy everyday as my normal handwriting and it always fascinated people. A little flourish, little beauty for every day. I still do it, though not as much. My thank you notes for my shop, I do them in calligraphy :)
1 year ago
TheCreativeTree says:
Ahh, calligraphy is a wonderful hobby. I received a calligraphy set last year for Christmas, and have been in love with it ever since!! Great post, very interesting!!
1 year ago
euphoriacouture says:
beautiful!
1 year ago
RossLab says:
Wonderful post.
1 year ago
HiddenMeadows says:
I've been wanting to take a calligraphy class for a while now. I just might go ahead and take it now.
1 year ago
rkdsign88 says:
Wow amazing and beautiful, love the video too :)
1 year ago
RetroStock says:
My daughter is learning the Japanese characters...I pray this art form never dies. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of this dying tradition.
1 year ago
cottonbirddesigns says:
great article!
1 year ago
thinkertinker says:
Beautiful. And it's not true that is calligraphers disappeared tomorrow that no one would noticed. Long live calligraphy and calligraphers.
1 year ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
Great article! I love calligraphy and I think calligraphers are amazing artists, thanks for bringing this up! :)
1 year ago
VillageVinyl says:
There is true beauty in the art of calligraphy. Chinese characters are works of art. http://www.etsy.com/listing/88343219/happiness-vinyl-decal-chinese
1 year ago
heartmadesoaps says:
I love calligraphy. I'm so glad you have chosen it as a subject for that article... simply perfect :) Thank you and congrats for the article!
1 year ago
BingoBox says:
Lovely film.
1 year ago
vividpint says:
Wonderful post.i love calligraphy
1 year ago
giorgiejewelry says:
Great article!
1 year ago
QuirkMuseum says:
Another great post. In this digital age, it's great to see people keeping the traditional writing arts alive.
1 year ago
GOODMANCREATES says:
Amazing
1 year ago
RossLab says:
I love calligraphy: thanks for this post.
1 year ago
mattyhandmadecrafts says:
Amazing!
1 year ago
ZenBrush says:
Great article on a little appreciated art!
1 year ago
Laughingdogstudio says:
Just love this, thank you!!!
1 year ago
TheMillineryShop says:
As someone who not only can't draw a straight line, I can't even sign my name the same way twice, So I have a huge respect for calligraphers as artists. The beauty, the detail, the legibility! We use all writing all the time and are even considered handicapped if we can't, so to elevate this critical mode of communication to an art makes it truly a craft to covet.
1 year ago
madelinefeliciano says:
Good information in this article. Good to know.
1 year ago
joonijewelry says:
Awesome article. Ever since typing became the main tool for writing, my handwriting has gotten so bad.... and not only that, I've been forgetting a lot of kanjis. (although I went through so many kanji tests almost everyday when growing up!) I was gifted this nice fountain pen a few months ago by my father which got me back on track in handwriting again. Writing letters by hand is also a lot more personal, unique and warmer than typed letters. We need to save the beautiful art of calligraphy!
1 year ago
petaljewellery says:
Lovely! I love calligraphy...
1 year ago
wonderfulcotne says:
Fantastic! In college, I took calligraphy and loved it, but lots of my classmates didn't have the patience for it, as mentioned in this article... I'm hoping for a resurgence!
1 year ago
tableclothpad says:
Nice articles is to good.
1 year ago
MoonSirens says:
Great article. Love calligraphy!
1 year ago
AlteredPhotos says:
What an outstanding art!!
1 year ago
ArtfulCelebrations says:
Thank you for the nice article! I've made my living as a calligrapher for over 30 years now. I started quite young and was fortunate enough to be mentored by a few of the old masters who were still living. Although handwriting has taken a back seat to keyboards and smart phones, everyone still uses their writing every day. There are many calligraphy guilds all over the world and lots of classes available. There is also help online. I was the treasurer of IAMPETH (The International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting) for 27 years, retiring in 2010. IAMPETH has a massive website FULL of information for anyone wishing to learn or improve their handwriting or calligraphy, and we have a close partnership with The JPA (Japan Penman Association). Left handed? You can do it! Several of our IAMPETH Master Penmen are left handed and their work will blow your mind! There may not be as many of us as there were a hundred years ago, but we are here and we are strong...and we feel fortunate to be able to do what we love, for people who still treasure our work! Thank you!
1 year ago
WingedWorld says:
The beauty of the world's handwritten languages is overwhelming. Thanks for the information on this book.
1 year ago
dan toren says:
Can anyone tell me whether the Mezuzah cheap prices?
274 days ago