This is a great resource for understanding the tools and materials necessary in traditional Persian calligraphy.
The pen, or "qalam," is typically made of reed or bamboo. These woods are preferred over metal because of the natural flexibility they possess to allow a greater range of motion. The tip of the pen is carved with a small knife on a special cutting board, called a "makta."
Ink is typically black and made with soot, dissolved gum arabic, and water.
Although this calligraphy was typically made on papyrus or parchment, paper gradually became more typical after its introduction to the Middle East in the 10th century. Paper can be treated with dye and coated with a starch mixture called "ahar." Because the ink is water soluble, this process can make it easier to remove mistakes.
Calligraphy Qalam: An Introduction to Arabic, Persian and Ottoman Calligraphy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://calligraphyqalam.com/process/tools.html
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