Arabesques, ornaments, printer’s flowers, fleurons: these are a few of the names given to the delightful graphic embellishments used by printers and designers virtually since the invention of moveable type. Arabesques can be used to separate sections of text, accent a block of copy, or mark the end of an article. They can also be combined to make borders or large graphic images.

There are many great ornament designs being produced by talented designers nowadays,” says designer Tony Lansbury, creator of Tarotee One, “but we tend to overlook the great designs of the past. These historical designs are still valid today, and much underused.” For Tarotee One (named after the traditional floral design on the backs of playing cards), Lansbury found inspiration in the beauty and charm of 16th century arabesques.

Lansbury believes there is a natural cross-fertilization between the disciplines of calligraphy and type design. “Calligraphy is immediate and often unrepeatable,” he says. “To some degree it’s a shame. There are some wonderful characters produced by talented calligraphers that are just crying out to be digitized.”

Lansbury’s striking yet delicate arabesques are a testament to his love of typographic beauty. Can Tarotee Two be far behind?