What is used in calligraphy to enhance and display a piece?

Matting is a commonly used technique in calligraphy to enhance and display a piece effectively. It involves placing a piece of art or calligraphy work within a cut-out rectangle of thicker paper or cardboard, known as a matboard. This not only provides a visual border that can draw attention to the artwork but also protects the piece from physical damage. By adding space between the artwork and the frame, matting can prevent the artwork from touching the glass, which is particularly advantageous for ink and paper that may be susceptible to smudging or moisture.

While framing, bordering, and layering can also contribute to the presentation of calligraphy, they serve different purposes. Framing encloses the artwork in glass or acrylic, which is great for protection, but does not provide the same visual impact that matting offers. Layering refers to using multiple materials or textures to create depth in artwork rather than focusing solely on enhancing the display surface. Bordering, although it can visually enhance a piece, typically does not involve the same level of protective and aesthetic function as matting. Therefore, matting stands out as the most effective method for enhancing and displaying calligraphy art.