Traditional natural hair brush – calligraphy, sumi-e, and ink painting
This traditional brush is designed for Chinese calligraphy, sumi-e, ink wash painting, and line drawing practices where the flexibility of the tip plays an essential role.
The natural rabbit hair offers good ink absorption and a flexible tip, capable of producing fine lines, wider strokes, and organic variations depending on pressure, angle, and speed of movement.
Each size alters the brush's behavior: the small size is suitable for details and small characters, the medium size offers more versatile use, while the large size supports broad gestures, expressive characters, and washes.
INFORMATION
This brush can be used with liquid ink, diluted ink, or ink prepared from an ink stick on a stone. It is suitable for continuous strokes, pressure variations, washes, and calligraphy exercises.
Unlike a more springy synthetic brush, rabbit hair offers a more flexible response. It accommodates changes in pressure and allows transitioning from a fine line to a wider trace without an overly abrupt break.
This product contains natural animal hair. It is not suitable for those seeking a vegan or entirely synthetic alternative.
CHARACTERISTICS
Type: Traditional calligraphy brush
Hair: Genuine rabbit hair, flexible
Handle: Decorated black wood
Overall length: Approximately 24 cm
Use: Calligraphy, sumi-e, ink painting, washes, line practice
Small size:
Hair length: 4.5 cm
Diameter: 1.0 cm
Recommended use: details, small characters, precise lines
Medium size:
Hair length: 5.0 cm
Diameter: 1.1 cm
Recommended use: daily practice, varied strokes, versatile calligraphy
Large size:
Hair length: 5.6 cm
Diameter: 1.2 cm
Recommended use: broad movements, expressive characters, washes and large strokes
USE & CARE
Before first use, gently moisten the bristles with clean water to soften the tip. Then load the brush with ink, without crushing the bristles at the bottom of the container.
To achieve stroke variations, work with angle, pressure, and speed. Light pressure allows for fine lines; more deliberate pressure opens the tip more and creates a broader trace.
After use, rinse with clean water until the water runs clear, reshape the tip with your fingers, then let dry head down or flat. Avoid letting ink dry in the bristles.
SUPPORTS & COMPLEMENTARY TOOLS
For calligraphy, sumi-e, and washes, this brush can be paired with
handmade Xuan paper,
to be chosen according to the desired absorption level.
For long sessions, repetitive strokes, or wash exercises, it can also accompany the
semi-treated plant fiber paper roll.
To compose an ink practice set, you can also consult the
Ink & Calligraphy collection,
with suitable papers, ink stones, ink sticks, and accessories.
🤍 Ikane workshop tip
A flexible brush requires less forced control than a stiff brush. It follows the hand pressure, wrist angle, and ink quantity more closely. Slowing down often results in a more precise and lively stroke.
