Traditional Calligraphy Ink Colour

[rider4life]

Hey All,

So I tried seaching Google, Goulet and a couple other sites I thought might be helpful but nothing yet. Does anyone know what the traditional colour for Calligraphy writing is? I'm planning something out for the wife's B-day and want to send her a hand-written letter, completed with stamped waxed seal. I'd like it to be fairly traditional, right down to the paper (and yes, I'll be using paper not vellum or skin!).

Thanks in advance for the assistance!

Cheers,

M.

PS. Suggestions on which paper to use are also appreciated.

 

[superbleu]

probably some sort of iron gall ink.

 

[strop]

In my way of thinking what we refer to tady when thinking about calligraphy is decorative writing, or at least I do. Traditional Spencerian script, while decorative, is not, IMO, calligraphy in my strict definition, though I think as writing gets to more and more an art form, it will be. If you're planning nice script, use her favorite color!

I agree that iron gall ink was the traditional ink for centuries, though other forms of pigmented ink were used. The Book of Kells is a great example. Done circa 800 AD
http://www.google.com/search?q=book...gGynIDwDg&sqi=2&ved=0CCkQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=888

 

[AllenG]

Iron gall and red.

 

[rider4life]

In my way of thinking what we refer to tady when thinking about calligraphy is decorative writing, or at least I do. Traditional Spencerian script, while decorative, is not, IMO, calligraphy in my strict definition, though I think as writing gets to more and more an art form, it will be. If you're planning nice script, use her favorite color!

I agree that iron gall ink was the traditional ink for centuries, though other forms of pigmented ink were used. The Book of Kells is a great example. Done circa 800 AD
http://www.google.com/search?q=book...gGynIDwDg&sqi=2&ved=0CCkQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=888

That's a really awesome idea. Her favourite colour is purple and Goulet's has an iron gall ink in purple...maybe I'll go with that? Does anyone know if there's an issue at the post office (in Canada) with using non-standard colours on envelopes?

Cheers,

M.

 

[oc_in_fw]

The cotton paper is REALLY nice:

http://www.gouletpens.com/Original_Crown_Mill_s/1101.htm

 

[strop]

I routinely use brown ink on letters, and I'm fairly sure some of them have been mailed to Canada. The only fear I had was it was not a waterproof ink, and could have smeared if it got wet for any reason.

 

[nemo]

Black

 

[Dave258]

I routinely use brown ink on letters, and I'm fairly sure some of them have been mailed to Canada. The only fear I had was it was not a waterproof ink, and could have smeared if it got wet for any reason.

I have sent brown to Canada also, and purple with no problem. Noodler's Beaver (waterproof) and J.Herbin Poussiere de Lune

 

[fast14riot]

I have received postcards from Canada in brown, green, orange and other colors. No problems there.


-Xander

 

[Doc4]

No matter the ink colour on your legible envelope, Canada Post will deliver it ... slowly.