筆 Fude (brushes)

It is believed that Fude brushes are first introduced to Japan in the early Yamato period through cultural exchanges with China. In the era of Emperor Saga (around 812 AD), the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) traveled to Tang China, learned the art of brush making, and upon returning to Japan, passed on his knowledge to the general public. This is considered the beginning of brush making in Japan.

The oldest brushes in Japan are preserved in the renowned The Shosoin Repository, known for its cultural treasures from the Nara period's culture and the 8th-century global cultural heritage. Among them, the 'Tenpyou Fude' is the oldest, representing 8th-century world culture. With its short, sparrowhead-like tip, the Tenpyou Fude is also referred to as the 'Sparrowhead Brush.' Its design, ideal for copying scriptures consistently over extended periods, makes it well-suited for sutra transcription.

Currently, the mainstream in brush-making is the Suihitsu, which has been transmitted since the late Edo period to the Meiji era. However, prior to that, the preferred style was the Yūshin Fude (cored brush), also known as Makifude, where the base of the bristles, used as the core, was wrapped in paper, and another layer of bristles was placed on top.
  • The structure of cored brushes (maki fude)

    巻筆 (Cored brushes)

    A brush made by wrapping and solidifying a core hair with washi paper, then putting another layer of hair on top and tightening it with linen thread. It is also known as a 'Makifude.' The distinctive features of this brush include excellent hair cohesion and resilience. Currently, the only workshop producing this type of Makifude is 'Hankeido.

    maki fude 

  • 水筆 (Non-cored brushes)

    A brush without a core is fixed to the shaft by solidifying the base of the brush tip, is also called "Suihitsu". Its distinctive feature is excellent ink absorption. The majority of brushes produced today fall into the category of Mizufude.

    suihitsu