Calligraphy facts for kids

The calligraphy lesson: 18th century Japan

Aristotle in Latin & Greek

Calligraphy is the art of writing. The word is from the Greek language and means "beautiful writing". In the west, this was an interest in decorating words on the page. Calligraphy in the Western world was always considered a minor art.

Pen used for Western calligraphy. It is dipped into ink to be able to write.

East Asian calligraphy was a "high art" form before the Tang Dynasty. It continues to have a high status among the arts. It is practiced today by many people including school children.

Calligraphy above entry to Mevlâna Museum, Turkey

Buddhist manuscript, Nepal, 1869

Images for kids

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  A painting of Susenyos I (r. 1607–1632) on a Ge'ez prayer scroll meant to dispel evil spirits, Wellcome Collection, London

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  An example of Graily Hewitt's calligraphy

See also

In Spanish: Caligrafía para niños