The endangered craft of a renowned Jordanian calligrapher
Renowned Jordanian calligrapher Ryad Tabbal, whose creations have played an important role in Jordan’s contemporary culture, is credited in producing the iconic logo of Jordan’s national airline and state television show titles.
But the advent of computer-generated calligraphy casts a shadow of uncertainty over Tabbal’s venerable artistry, according to The National News on May 3.
He referenced how titles produced by modern technology pale in comparison to his skill, honed over decades of experience, citing them as “blind imitation” that lack vitality.
“It is mechanical. It has no spirit,” he added.
The self-taught 81-year-old calligrapher first garnered acclaim in the early 1960s, initially producing illustrating aircraft numbers and squadron logos for the Royal Jordanian Air Force.
His talents soon graced the screens of state television, adorning titles and credits of popular television series.
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The pinnacle of his career arrived with a commission from Royal Jordanian airlines to produce a new logo, for which he selected the diwani script, a special typography derived from the Ottoman Empire.
Tabbal’s devotion to his craft relies on top-quality materials, including ink from Japan and self-crafted brushes using bamboo imported from Indonesia and India.
Despite his illustrious career, the master artist was forced to close his Amman-based shop two years ago amid a failure to compete with computer calligraphy.
He lamented that working in the West would have provided better opportunities, saying that Arab countries have no understanding “why calligraphy exists”.
The National News
