What is Arab Calligraphy?

One of the world’s oldest and most respected art forms is calligraphy. Even though the importance of it faded away, it has been constant and vibrant in the Arabic Culture for more than 2000 years. The Arab calligraphy is treated as sacred writing for the Muslims.

Origins of Arab Calligraphy

In ancient times, the Arabic tribes were practised memorizing words and poems and pass them on to the generations. However, since the evolution of Islam began and started spreading across the people, it was needed to put the words into writing, preserving the Quran.

The Arabian Peninsula was home to a variety of early Semitic languages before Islam expanded, and calligraphic artefacts discovered in these early languages suggest that calligraphy predates Islam. Nonetheless, because of how it unified the region under the Arabic language and its devotion to the written word, it was unquestionably the spread of Islam that created a great age of calligraphy throughout the ancient Middle East.

Evolution of Arab Calligraphy

Arabic calligraphy, an art form changed in its primary applications beyond geographical growth. The need to preserve the word of God through the book, Quran and to communicate was what originated Arabic calligraphy. As years passed by, the calligraphy turned into forms of architecture, design, decorations and coin designs.

The Arabic calligraphy developed over the period into two recognizable families:

• Kufic
• Rounded Scripts

Tools used for Arab Calligraphy

The tools that were used for calligraphy differ from ancient and modern times. Traditional calligraphy writing tools included a nib, nib holder and ink. The Arab calligraphy pens are made out of reed and rigid woods. The ink that was used during ancient times was water-soluble, mistakes were removed with a wet cloth. Black is the traditional ink colour of Arab calligraphy. However now a wide variety of ink colours are being used.

Here are some of the common tools used in Arabic Calligraphy:

• Qalam Pen
• Khamish pen
• Bamboo pen
• Java pen
• Handam pen
• Celi pen
• Ahar paper
• Ink

Modern Arabic Calligraphy

Arabic calligraphy is a strict tradition and now is also an inspiration for modern art. Many artists have created their styles and methods for Arabic calligraphy. Presenting these styles on letterforms, jewellery, digital designs, canvas and paper.

In Arabic calligraphy, an entire word can be presented with just a few strokes or a single letter can be designed uniquely. Reputed calligraphic works written on papers are framed and used for decorative purposes.

This art form has had a huge impact on all parts of the world and influenced many cultures. Many art universities are now encouraged to make Arabic calligraphy a priority for the importance of the art form and how it brings a unique art style. Not only is it a language used to communicate, when it comes to literature, but it is also one of the most expressive languages. It has become a creative art form and an important piece of decoration to all artists and designers. Calligraphy is now seen in many contemporary art workers who influence urban and street arts and graphic designing.