What Are Japanese Calligraphy Brushes Called?

Japanese calligraphy brushes, known as fude, have a long and storied history intertwined with the origins of calligraphic traditions in Japan. Calligraphy was introduced to Japan from China during the 6th century AD, along with Buddhism, eventually developing into a revered artform with cultural significance. These specialized brushes are essential tools used to create the flowing lines and subtle details of Japanese calligraphy.

Japanese calligraphy brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, tailored to produce different brushstrokes and effects. Crafting the perfect brushstroke requires selecting the appropriate brush and using proper brushwork techniques. Beyond aesthetics, calligraphy also has spiritual roots in Japan, used to convey Buddhist teachings and channel the mind and spirit of the calligrapher. Understanding the development, materials, and techniques of Japanese calligraphy brushes provides deeper insight into this treasured cultural legacy.

Names of Calligraphy Brushes

The main types of brushes used for Japanese calligraphy are called fude (筆). There are two main categories of fude:

Fude (毛筆) – These brushes are made from animal hair, usually from goat, horse, or weasel. The softer hairs are better for absorbing ink and flexible brush strokes. Different names for fude include:

• Sai-hitsu (細筆) – Fine pointed brushes good for detailed strokes.
• Chu-hitsu (中筆) – Medium sized brushes used for standard writing.
• Oo-hitsu (大筆) – Large brushes that hold more ink for bold strokes.

Hake (筥毛筆) – These brushes are made from plant fibers, usually bamboo, instead of animal hair. The stiffer bristles allow for consistent strokes and are good for beginners. Common names include:

• Kyo-ji-hake (教字筆) – Used for teaching children to write.
• Sumi-hake (墨筆) – For basic ink brushwork.
• Choku-hake (直筆) – With stiff bristles for clean straight lines.

There are many high-quality fude brush makers in Japan that produce brushes for all styles and experience levels. The shape and materials make certain brushes better for different calligraphy techniques.

Parts of a Calligraphy Brush

A Japanese calligraphy brush consists of three main parts: the handle, ferrule, and head.

The handle (柄 – e) is the section of the brush that is grasped by the calligrapher. It is typically made of bamboo or wood and can be round or hexagonal in shape. The length and thickness of the handle impacts the balance and comfort of the brush.

The ferrule (筒 – tsutsu) is a cylindrical casing where the brush head is fitted into the handle. It is usually made of metal or plastic and helps secure the hairs in place. The ferrule provides stability and reinforcement to the delicate brush head.

The head (穂先 – hossaki) is the tuft of hairs or fibers that absorbs and releases the ink. The quality and cut of the hairs determines the ink-holding capacity, elasticity, and stroke variation. Softer hairs are better for beginners.

These components work together to provide control and expressiveness. Master calligraphers carefully select brushes based on their specific parts and materials.

Brush Materials

Japanese calligraphy brushes are commonly made from natural materials like bamboo, animal hair, and plant fibers. The most prized material for the brush handle is bamboo. Bamboo handles provide flexibility and responsiveness for brush control. Bamboo also absorbs moisture well and keeps the brush comfortable during long writing sessions.

For the brush hairs, the finest are made from weasel belly fur called itachi. Weasel hair bristles have softness and texture that create subtle variations in line weight. Other common materials are goat, horse, and rabbit hair. According to sources, goat hair is very elastic and springy, making it suitable for getting swift, dynamic strokes. Horse hair is stiffer and produces crisp lines. Rabbit hair is extremely soft for gentle gradations in shading.

Some economical brushes use nylon or synthetic hairs. But traditionalists strongly favor natural hair over synthetics. Beyond the handle and bristles, all parts of the brush are natural – the ferrule and thread may be made of wisteria root, mulberry bark fiber, or bamboo sheath.

Brush Sizes

Japanese calligraphy brushes come in a wide variety of sizes to create different effects. The sizes are measured by the number of hairs in the brush.

Some common brush sizes include:

• 5 hairs – Extremely fine detail work
• 15 hairs – Small and precise strokes
• 30 hairs – Medium strokes
• 50-60 hairs – Bolder strokes
• 100+ hairs – For large, bold characters

Smaller brushes in the 15-30 hair range are good for writing characters and fine details. Larger brushes create dramatic, expressive strokes for large works. Artists may use multiple sized brushes within one work to achieve different effects.

Choosing the right brush size allows the artist to produce the exact stroke width and style they desire. Mastering and combining different sized brushes is key to creating beautiful Japanese calligraphy.

Brush Shapes

Japanese calligraphy brushes come in a variety of shapes, each designed for different purposes.

Pointed brushes have fine, tapered tips that allow for thin, delicate lines. These are best for detailed work and complex characters.

Blunt brushes have a flat, square edge that creates broad strokes. They are ideal for large, bold characters.

Flat brushes are rectangular in shape and produce wide, flat lines. These brushes lend themselves to semi-cursive and cursive script.

Round brushes are oval-shaped with soft, rounded edges. They create gradations in line width and are versatile for many scripts.

Understanding the unique characteristics of each brush shape will allow calligraphers to select the right one for their particular style and desired effect.

Selecting Brushes

When selecting a Japanese calligraphy brush, also known as a fude, there are several factors to consider:

Brush shape – Common shapes include pointed, blunt, round, and flat. Pointed brushes are good for writing small or detailed characters, while blunt brushes create bold strokes. Round brushes can produce both thick and thin lines. Flat brushes are used for large characters.¹

Brush size – Brush sizes range from extra-small to large. Smaller brushes are suited to writing short poems or signatures, while larger brushes work well for big headings. Beginners often start with a medium brush. ²

Brush flexibility – Stiffer brushes maintain their shape well, while very flexible brushes produce wider lines. Moderately flexible brushes are a good choice for beginners.

Materials – Brushes can be made from bamboo, wood, horsehair, goat hair, weasel hair, or synthetics. Natural hair holds ink better but requires more maintenance.

Your own preferences and writing style should guide your brush selection. It’s common to use different brushes for different purposes.

Caring for Brushes

Properly caring for your calligraphy brushes is essential for preserving their shape, texture, and longevity. Here are some tips for proper storage and cleaning:

For storage, brushes should be stored tip-up in a well-ventilated container or stand. Allowing the bristles to dry in their original shape helps maintain the brush’s point and spring. Storing brushes horizontally can flatten and bend the bristles. Ensure no water remains in the brush by gently squeezing out excess moisture before storage.

For cleaning, avoid harsh soaps or solvents which can strip the natural oils from the bristles. Gently rinse the brush in lukewarm water, massaging the bristles between your fingers to loosen any ink. According to Good Characters, the brush hair can also be soaked 5-10 minutes in room temperature water, taking care not to submerge the handle.

After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water and allow the brush to air dry tip-up before putting away. Periodically gently shake out any loose bristles as the brush ages. With proper care, a quality calligraphy brush can last many years.

Notable Brush Makers

Japan has a long, rich history of brush making that dates back centuries. Some of the most notable historical brush makers include:

Tenpyo Shobu – Founded in the 8th century during the Tenpyo era, Tenpyo Shobu is one of the oldest brush makers in Japan. They quickly became renowned for their high quality brushes made with sharp points and responsiveness.

Haruna – Founded in the late 16th century, Haruna is another historic brush maker known for their exquisite detail in crafting brush tips and excellent ink retention abilities. Their brushes were used by famous calligraphers and considered top-tier.

Ishikawa Shobo – Operating since 1823, Ishikawa Shobo has centuries of experience handcrafting brushes. Their brushes are characterized by luxurious softness and precise tips, making them a preferred choice for calligraphy masters.

Some contemporary brush makers keeping the traditions alive include Maruzen, Orchid Seed, and Uchida. While staying true to the old techniques, they also innovate with modern materials and customized options.

Impact and Significance

Calligraphy brushes hold great cultural importance in Japan and have had a profound impact on Japanese art and culture over the centuries. Calligraphy, known as shodo in Japanese, is one of the most revered traditional arts in Japan. Using a brush to write beautiful characters and words is considered a meditative practice and art form.

The brush is an essential tool for calligraphy. Japanese calligraphy brushes date back to the 6th century when Buddhism was introduced to Japan from China, bringing Chinese calligraphy brushes with it. Over time, brushmaking techniques evolved in Japan, adapting brushes to be optimal for writing Japanese script.

High quality calligraphy brushes are prized possessions. Some are signed by the master brushmaker, passing down their craftsmanship through generations. Owning, using, and caring for a handcrafted brush is an honor and tradition. The brushes represent patience, focus, refinement and stillness of mind.

Calligraphy remains an important part of Japanese culture today. School children learn basic brush writing. Skilled calligraphers create artworks and write out formal documents like certificates. Calligraphy brushes are found in most Japanese homes and treasured as objects that link to history and tradition.