Bamboo Calligraphy Brush

Along with paper, ink, and inkstone, the brush was part of the Four Treasures found in a scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist’s creative spirit. This early 20th-century calligraphy brush would have once been used to write official documents or compose poetry. He would have held the handle upright in his hand - pressing down on the bristles to create heavier, bold strokes and lifting it up to make willowy, lighter strokes. This textured calligraphy brush is formed of hand-carved bamboo and has been restored with replacement horse-hair bristles.