This is an introduction to the basic tools for those starting pointed calligraphy.
There are three essential items you need to start calligraphy: a holder, a nib, and ink . We will introduce recommended products in this order.
About the Calligraphy Holder
There are two types of calligraphy holders: straight holders and oblique holders.
Speedball/Oblique Penholder Oblique
Since calligraphy is done at an angle, oblique holders have an angled holder. We recommend oblique holders for beginners.
Speedball / Straight Penholder
The straight holder is also recommended for those who want to adjust the angle of their hand when writing, those who are left-handed, and those who want to write with a straight font.
Manuscript / Straight/Oblique Dual-Use Holder
This holder has a removable metal part, so you can use either straight or oblique nibs. It's compatible with a variety of nibs, so it's a very convenient holder to have!
Many people start out by purchasing a plastic holder , but there are many other materials and designs available, including wood, resin, brass, and even animal horn! Be sure to try and find one that suits you best.
About calligraphy nibs
There are many different types of nibs available, but here are three that we recommend for beginners.
Made in the USA, this highly flexible and sharp nib produces beautiful line variations from thin hairlines to thick lines. It has a softer feel, so we recommend starting with this one.
This nib is made in Japan. It has a firmer writing feel than the Hunt 101 , so it is recommended for those who write with strong pressure or at a fast writing speed.
This German-made nib is commonly known as "Blue Pumpkin" and its hardness is somewhere between Hunt 101 and Nikko G. It is very flexible and has a good hold, making it a popular nib.
About Calligraphy Ink
There are many types of calligraphy ink available, but for practice we recommend quick-drying black or walnut ink.
Higgins Eternal Ink Permanent Black
Higgins ink is recommended as a practice ink because it can be used as is with the nib attached without diluting it with water. It has a smooth writing feel and does not fade. Another point is that it can be easily washed off with water.
Tom Norton's / Walnut Drawing Ink
If you want to practice with a color other than black, we recommend this walnut ink. It features a sepia color that allows you to draw beautiful lines.
Paper Tree x Kuretake / Sumi Ink
We also recommend water-resistant ink for your artwork. This ink for calligraphy has a light and smooth writing feel, produces beautiful hairlines, and dries quickly. It has the elegant luster that only ink can have. This is an original ink from Paper Tree, created in collaboration with Kuretake.
(If the concentration is too high, add a small amount of water in a separate container to adjust the concentration.)
There are many tools for calligraphy, but start with these three items!
We also offer a calligraphy starter set for those who are just starting out in calligraphy.
It includes examples of how to use tools, basic writing techniques, the alphabet, and phrases, so please feel free to use it as a reference.
At Paper Tree, we have a wide variety of calligraphy-related items available. We also hold monthly lessons for beginners, so please come and join us!