collection of old handwriting samples
Refers to a physical album or book containing specimens of calligraphy, often historical. The English gloss notes 'usu. Old'.
Used for something that serves as a reference or standard to follow. This sense is less common and may appear in older or specialized contexts.
This collection of handwriting contains valuable calligraphy from the Heian period.
This book was used as a model for handwriting practice.
Compound of 手 (hand, handwriting) and 鑑 (mirror, model). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term likely originated as a reference book of handwriting samples.