THE ARTISTIC JOURNEY OF BLACK AND RED INK: FROM CHINESE CALLIGRAPHIC TRADITIONS TO MODERN PAKISTANI CALLIGRAPHY

Abstract

Calligraphy writing due to its rhythmic movement and beautiful representation also called the queen of arts. Artists from all over the world used different material and methods to convey the message hidden inside the calligraphy. In these materials the use of black and red inks for this creativity got cultural and historical importance. The use of these inks not only inspired the present day artist but also have strong spiritual and emotional depth. This is one of the reasons that this art due to its spirituality adapted by Central Asian and Islamic traditions. Mostly the influence comes from Persia that took its inspiration most probably from Chinese Calligraphic styles. Taking these inspirational feelings, the study highlights the symbolic and artistic journey of calligraphy from China to modern Pakistani practices.  In China these inks had different functions, where black ink was used for literary text, while red was for decoration and structural ratings. The Pakistani calligraphers also adapted the use of these colors through silk routes, but here instead of those traditional inks , modern material and techniques make ways for the upcoming artists to give new way to the field of calligraphy.