the word "calligraphy" comes from the Greek words kallos and graphos,meaning "beautiful" and "writing" or "drawing." it differs from good handwriting by conscious intent to create and arrange letters attractively. Legibility is often of secondary value, but craft and skill of execution are always important in calligraphy. Calligraphy in china and japan has had a longer tradition than in the west, and it is considered an art equal to painting and poetry. Oriental calligraphy is traditionally done with a brush and ink on paper or silk. In the far east the expressive quality of the characters is more important than neatness of execution. Spontaneity and freshness are also prized.