To create their art forms, Chinese calligraphers and painters today use the same brushes that had their beginnings 6,000 years ago in China. Chinese brushes are one of the "four treasures of the studio." Others are the paper; the slab used to grind the ink; and the ink stick, which is rubbed against the slab and mixed with water to create the ink. The brushwork, however, is the primary focus of artists and reviewers, according to a Britannica.com article by art historians.
Brushes in General
Hundreds of varieties and types of Chinese painting brushes, often called "writing brushes," exist. Brushes consist of the brush tip -- usually made of hairs from such animals as goats, deer, wolves and sheep -- and the long handle, called the shaft and made of bamboo or wood lacquer. Artists' brush choices are personal. Some use a number of brushes; others use one, whether painting lines, shades, textures or dots. Hu, Xuan and Daiyuexuan brushes are some of the well-regarded types of brushes.
Hu Writing Brush
Most Hu brushes are made of goat, weasel or a mixture of goat and weasel hairs. Goat hairs are flexible; weasel hairs are stiff; and the combination creates tips that are neither too stiff nor too flexible. Shafts are made of mottled bamboo or red sandalwood, often decorated with porcelain or ivory. The Hu brush is finely crafted, and many regard it as China's highest-quality brush. Over 70 steps are involved in producing one brush.
Xuan Brush
The Xuan brush is also considered one of the best types of Chinese paint brushes. The point of the tip is sharp and the edges of the hairs well cut. The tip is smooth and thick, enabling the artist to paint and draw freely. The brush tip is made of brown rabbit hairs. New polishing techniques have been developed for producing the brush shaft.
Dieyuexuan Brush
The Dieyuexuan brush was developed by the artist Dai Yuexuan, who worked for a writing-brush workshop in Beijing 80 years ago. Elaborately crafted, it has a uniquely sharp point and is well cut. The smooth, rounded hairs end in a tip of "graceful stiffness," according to "China Daily USA," which describes the brush as "renown."
