What do h, g, and y all have in common?

The letters h, g, and y all share the characteristic of having stems, which are the vertical parts of each letter that extend from the baseline. In calligraphy and typography, a stem is an important element that contributes to the overall structure and visual balance of letter forms.

In h, the stem rises straight up and is accompanied by a curved part known as the shoulder. In g, the stem is part of the letter's lower loop and can contribute to its unique look, particularly in different calligraphic styles. For y, the stem extends downwards and typically ends with a tail, which can vary in style based on the calligrapher's technique.

Understanding the significance of stems is crucial for those practicing calligraphy, as they are fundamental to letter construction and affect legibility and flow in written text. The inclusion of stems creates consistency and allows for distinctive styles, enhancing the overall aesthetic of calligraphic work.