Understanding premium calligraphy paper brands
Calligraphy is an art form that requires precision, concentration, and a lot of patience. Calligraphy artists must carefully choose the right paper that would highlight the nuances of their work. While paper quality might seem like a small detail, it can make or break the outcome of a calligraphy piece. In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the best premium calligraphy paper brands out there.
Rhodia
Rhodia is a French brand that’s been around since the 1930s. Their paper is known for its ultra-smooth finish, which makes it ideal for fountain pens and other writing instruments. Rhodia’s dot grid paper is especially popular among calligraphy artists, as it helps them maintain even spacing and consistent letter size. Rhodia papers come in various sizes and thicknesses, allowing artists to pick the best paper that suits their needs.
Tomoe River
Tomoe River is a Japanese brand that’s beloved by calligraphy enthusiasts worldwide. The paper is incredibly thin and lightweight, yet has excellent ink absorbency, making it perfect for delicate, intricate work. Its high quality means that it won’t bleed or feather even with wet inks. Tomoe River paper comes in a variety of sizes and weights, and its cream color adds a touch of warmth and elegance to any calligraphy piece.
Clairefontaine
Clairefontaine is another French brand that’s been around for over 150 years. Its paper is known for its smooth texture, which makes it easy to write on and perfect for calligraphy work. Clairefontaine’s mill produces high-quality, acid-free paper that’s resistant to aging and yellowing. Its bright white color makes calligraphy work stand out, while its thickness ensures that the ink won’t bleed through the other side.
Strathmore
Strathmore is an American brand that caters to artists across various mediums, including calligraphy. Their papers come in a wide range of weights, textures, and colors, and are suitable for both beginners and professional calligraphers. Strathmore’s 500 series paper is particularly popular for calligraphy work, as it has a vellum finish that’s slightly toothed, providing better traction for the nibs.
Fabriano
Fabriano is an Italian brand that’s been producing high-quality paper since the 13th century. Their calligraphy papers are renowned for their thickness, texture, and durability. Fabriano’s papers are also sustainably sourced and produced using traditional methods, giving each sheet a unique character and charm. Calligraphy artists who use Fabriano paper appreciate its ability to hold ink and show off the subtle differences in ink density and shading.
Investing in quality paper pays off
In calligraphy, the quality of the paper can make or break the final outcome of a piece. Poor-quality paper can cause ink to bleed, feather, or pool, making the script look messy and unprofessional. Investing in premium calligraphy paper brands, such as Rhodia, Tomoe River, Clairefontaine, Strathmore, and Fabriano, ensures that the artist can create a beautiful, polished piece that will stand the test of time. With these brands, calligraphy artists are guaranteed to find the perfect paper for their craft.
