This episode will discuss the writing brush among the Four Treasures of the Study (paper, brush, ink, and inkstone). In the previous episode, we mentioned the close relationship between paper and brush. Chinese brushes are made of woven animal hair, which is quite rare compared to other countries. The earliest discovered brushes were found in a Warring States tomb in Changsha, Hunan in 1974, made of bamboo and rabbit hair. Later, many bronze artifacts and brushes from the Qin and Han dynasties were also discovered buried underground in China. Through the excavation of different historical sites, we can see that the brushes from the Tang dynasty are closest to the brush-making techniques used today. Just like painting, the peak period for brush-making was during the Tang and Song dynasties.
When investing in art, the most important factor is the artistic value, followed by the rarity. Regarding artistic value, the Tang dynasty preferred more elaborate decorations, while the Han people tended towards simplicity. Many Tang dynasty paintings featured decorations made of ivory, gold, silver, brocade, and silk. This level of craftsmanship is no longer seen in Hong Kong, and can only be found in Japan, where they excel at creating the luxurious court-style decorations.
The same applies to brushes, especially the Tang dynasty brushes with their handles decorated in gold, silver, and ivory carvings. Anhui has long been a cultural center for brush-making. It was not until the Song dynasty that Qinzhou and Qianzhou also became renowned for their brush production. After the Yuan dynasty, the center of brush-making shifted to Huzhou, where the brushes produced there are considered the finest quality, earning them the title of “Hu Bi” (Huzhou Brushes).