Calligraphic Jivy 11 is a regular weight, normal width, medium contrast, italic, short x-height font.
Keywords: branding, packaging, invitations, book covers, headlines, classic, elegant, literary, warm, refined, expressiveness, formality, tradition, readability, swashy, bracketed serifs, calligraphic, oldstyle, fluid.
A fluid, right-slanted italic with calligraphic construction and gently modulated strokes. The letterforms show bracketed, serif-like terminals and soft curves, with occasional swashy entry/exit strokes (notably in capitals) that add movement. Counters are compact and the overall proportions feel slightly condensed with a modest x-height, giving the face a traditional, bookish rhythm. Numerals follow the same italic flow and maintain consistent stroke logic and rounded joins.
This face is well suited to branding and packaging that benefits from a traditional, artisanal voice, as well as invitations and formal announcements where a calligraphic italic is expected. It also works effectively for book covers, chapter openers, pull quotes, and other display or short-form typography where its swashy capitals can shine.
The font conveys a classic, cultured tone with a handwritten grace—formal without feeling rigid. Its swashy capitals and smooth, pen-like curves suggest elegance and a touch of romance, making text feel personal and crafted rather than purely mechanical.
The design appears intended to evoke a formal handwritten italic—bridging calligraphy and traditional serif italic conventions—so designers can add elegance and motion without switching to fully connected script. The consistent slant and controlled contrast aim for an expressive but readable texture across both caps and lowercase.
Uppercase forms are especially expressive, with asymmetric curves and occasional extended terminals that can draw attention in initials or short headlines. In continuous text the strong italic angle and compact interior spaces create a lively texture, favoring comfortable sizes over very small settings.