Inside Secret Brushmaking Craft: Where Calligraphy Begins

A Japanese calligraphy brush is more than just a tool—it’s a finely crafted work of art born from deep expertise, refined materials, and the intuitive hands of master artisans. Despite its small size, the making of a brush involves dozens of meticulous steps, all aimed at shaping the brush’s most important role: bringing written characters to life through expressive, flowing lines.

In this article, we take you behind the scenes of traditional brushmaking, exploring the materials, techniques, and philosophies that continue to define this timeless craft.

The Soul of the Brush Lies in the Hair: Selection by Eye and Touch

One of the most critical steps in making a brush is choosing the right animal hair.

Traditional calligraphy brushes are made from natural hairs such as goat, rabbit, or raccoon. Each type has its own texture and springiness, directly affecting how the brush glides across paper. For example, top-quality brushes often use Saikōhō—extremely fine, soft hair from the spine of a goat.

Even hairs from the same animal can vary in quality depending on the part of the body or season of collection. Skilled artisans evaluate the hair not only visually, but also by touch—judging shine, thickness, flexibility, and moisture retention.

The Four Virtues of a Perfect Brush: Sen, Sei, En, Ken

A superior brush must embody the “Four Virtues” (Shitoku, 四徳):

• Sen (Point): A fine, sharp tip that handles delicate strokes
• Sei (Alignment): Even hair alignment for stable lines
• En (Roundness): Balanced shape allowing smooth energy flow from hand to paper
• Ken (Strength): Resilience and longevity through controlled tension

These qualities are achieved through precise blending of different hairs, careful shaping, and expert finishing techniques—none of which can be automated.

Two Main Brushmaking Methods: Makishitate and Nerimaze

There are two primary methods of forming a brush head:

• Makishitate (巻仕立て): A traditional method where a core of hair is wrapped with outer hairs. This technique, preferred for high-end brushes, requires great skill and experience.
• Nerimaze (練り混ぜ): A modern method that blends hairs evenly before shaping. It allows for more consistent quality and is now widely used for mass production.

Many workshops guard their specific methods closely as trade secrets passed down through generations.

The Process of Making a Japanese Brush

Step1: Hair Selection (Senmō)

Hairs are sorted by type, length, thickness, and color. Only the best are chosen for the brush tip—the part considered the “life” of the brush.

Step2: Cleaning and Drying

Animal oils and dirt are removed using ash or natural surfactants, followed by sun drying. This ensures the hair retains its proper shape and absorbency.

Step3: Conditioning and Aligning

The hairs are hand-massaged to remove kinks and are carefully aligned by texture, length, and stiffness. This step demands a highly trained eye and touch.

Step4: Tip Formation

Different hairs are blended to create the ideal distribution for the brush tip:

• Moto (base): for ink holding capacity
• Sen (tip): for sharpness
• Hara (belly): for bounce

Step5: Bundling and Temporary Setting

The shaped bundle is fixed with animal glue (nikawa) and set into a wooden mold. This creates the basic form, which is refined after drying.

Step6: Handle Attachment

The finished brush head is attached to the handle (fudejiku), typically made of bamboo or wood. Natural adhesives like starch glue or nikawa are used for fixation. After this, the brush tip is trimmed, and the whole brush is air-dried.

In traditional workshops, a maker’s name or workshop mark is carved into the handle using a knife—adding both identity and artistry to the piece.

Materials and Crafting of the Brush Handle (Fudejiku)

The handle is not just a grip—it defines the balance, usability, and aesthetic of the brush. Artisans choose handle materials carefully, often applying decorative finishes to elevate the brush to a work of art.

Bamboo

• The most traditional and widely used material
• Lightweight, naturally textured, easy to work with
• Often split, shaped, and wrapped around the brush head
• Common in Japanese-made brushes

Wood

• Used for decorative or high-end models
• Ebony, rosewood, and other fine woods are selected
• Often matched with the brush head for visual harmony

Metal (Copper, Brass, Silver, etc.)

• Found in luxury or commemorative brushes
• Offers visual weight and durability
• Can be engraved or embossed with traditional patterns
• Requires careful balancing due to increased weight

Plastic and Resin

• Common in student or mass-market brushes
• Lightweight, affordable, and uniform
• Less durable and less aesthetically refined than natural materials

Conclusion: A Brush Grows with Its User

The Japanese calligraphy brush, though simple in appearance, is the product of deep traditions and dozens of precise steps. It is not merely a tool—it’s a companion in the journey of learning and expression.

A fine brush evolves with its user. As the calligrapher refines their hand, the brush responds in kind. This mutual growth between artist and instrument is the heart of Japanese brushmaking—a quiet, enduring dialogue between craftsmanship and creativity.