Taking care of calligraphy tools is extremely important. With proper care, even a good brush can quickly become unusable. Let me introduce you to the first step in using the brush with care.
When you purchase a new brush, it may come with the bristles pre-prepared, but most brushes are coated with glue. Brushes with pre-prepared bristles can be used as they are, but for those with glue, you need to remove the glue before the ink can adhere to the bristles. Therefore, if you don’t do this properly, you won’t be able to use the brush effectively.
- I will now provide you with easy-to-understand maintenance methods, so you can choose the appropriate way to prepare your brush based on your needs.
① Prepare lukewarm water and moisten the brush tip in it.
② Gently untangle the bristles from the tip to the base using your fingers.
③ The lukewarm water may become murky. Make sure to remove the glue inside the brush (if applicable) thoroughly, and use paper or cloth to wipe away the moisture. (Please remove any loose or fine hairs that may come off during this process.)
Method of using only the tip of the brush:
For fine writing such as Shakyō, Kana characters, and name writing, you use only the tip of the brush. Instead of fully submerging the brush, you dip only the tip in ink. The length of the exposed tip affects the thickness and style of the characters. Adjusting the length of the tip allows you to bring out the unique characteristics of the brush strokes.
Even with stiffer brushes, such as those with coarse hair, you may choose to use only the tip to better utilize its potential. Adjust the length to suit your purpose and the type of characters you wish to write.
How to Prepare the Brush:
Depending on the type of brush—fine brush, Kana brush, or large brush—please refer to the respective methods below:
【For a Fine Brush】
Prepare lukewarm water and moisten about one-third of the brush tip. Envision the type of characters you want to write, and then adjust the length of the exposed brush tip accordingly.
【For a Kana Brush】
Prepare lukewarm water and moisten about one-third of the brush tip. Envision the Kana characters you want to write, and then adjust the length of the exposed brush tip accordingly.
【For a Large Brush】
Prepare lukewarm water and moisten about one-third of the brush tip. If necessary, gently untangle the brush tip without dipping it in water. Then, expose about one-fourth of the brush tip. Be cautious with brushes that have different-colored decorative bristles, as overexposing the brush may cause the decorative bristles to become untidy.
For a “Sabaki Fude” (捌き筆) or scatter brush, it is a brush without glue, also known as a loose-haired brush. In this case, you can use it as it is without any preparation. However, if you find it necessary, you can lightly rinse it with water before use.
After finishing, it is best to wash the brush under running water, then use a brush comb to tidy up any unnecessary hairs. Once the brush is thoroughly dry, it is ready for use. It is recommended to let the brush dry after preparing it before using it. To improve air circulation, you can remove the cap, as it is usually sealed.
While the method of preparing the brush may seem basic, it is a fundamental aspect that applies to all aspects of calligraphy. Treating each brush with care and using it diligently is essential to continue using them for a long time.
