What is the term for the additional strokes that enhance letterforms in decorative calligraphy?

In decorative calligraphy, the term that refers to the additional strokes enhancing letterforms is flourishes. Flourishes are elegant, often intricate swirls and extensions that embellish the primary structure of letters, adding visual interest and personality to the overall design. They can vary greatly in complexity and style, depending on the calligrapher's intent and technique.

For instance, flourishes can be seen in the way certain letters extend upwards or outwards, creating a sense of flow and movement in the composition. This ornamental aspect not only serves to beautify the writing but also to demonstrate the skill and creativity of the calligrapher. Understanding the role of flourishes is crucial for anyone looking to master decorative calligraphy, as they can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a piece.

Other terms, such as serifs, stems, and crossbars, pertain to structural elements of letterforms rather than their decorative enhancements. Serifs are small lines or strokes attached to the ends of letters, stems are the main vertical or diagonal strokes of letters, and crossbars are the horizontal strokes that connect two vertical elements. While these structural components are essential for building legible and recognizable letterforms, they do not serve to embellish or decorate in the same