Calligraphy Brush
ClassificationsTools and Equipment-brushes
Date19th Century
Made AtChina, Asia
MediumWood and hair
Dimensions1 3/4 × 3 1/2 × 15 in. (4.4 × 8.9 × 38.1 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2019.22.42
DescriptionTogether with ink sticks, ink stones, and paper, calligraphy brushes are considered one of the Four Treasures of a scholar’s study. As with the other Treasures, brushes were used for a specific purpose and as items of adornment. When not in use, brushes were kept in brush pots, on racks, or in boxes. Traditionally, calligraphy brushes are made from wood and hair. Tips of the brushes were commonly made with animal hair, but bird feathers and human hair were also used. Brushes are considered the ideal tool for calligraphy as the bristles allow a great deal of flexibility.
When painting, the position in which the brush held when applied to the paper creates various techniques and designs. In addition, the amount of ink used, the piece of the tip applied to the paper, and the speed and pressure applied by the calligrapher can all impact the final design.
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19th Century
19th Century
19th Century
19th Century
20th Century
19th Century
19th Century
early 21st Century
early 21st Century
early 21st Century
early 21st Century
early 21st Century