Learn Calligraphy & Brush Painting

This is a sequel to The Making of Wishing Brush 1 article. 

Figure 7. Master Lin combines hair

Master Lin arranges the combined hairs on a straight edge by blending the hair. He continuously dampens the hair with lime water. He then inspects the hair and makes sure that they are smooth, flat and uniformed. 

Figure 8. Brushing out hairs with cow bone comb

Master Lin takes grasp of the hair and brushes it out with a cow bone comb. This will better mesh the hair and will help avoid knots and flyaways.

Figure 9. Rolling the hair

After combing the hair Master Lin places the hair atop a layer of dampen goat hair and then carefully rolls the hair together. The goat hair will remain as the outer layer. 

Figure 10. Tying the rolled hair

Master Lin makes about a dozen brushes at a time. He ties the rolled up hair with white thread at the bottom thickened end. He ensures that the hair is fastened together firmly with the thread. Tying the rolled up hair is a crucial step when binding together. The hair must be properly tied to avoid it falling out.

Figure 11. Cutting the rolled hair

After binding a dozen or so hair rolls, Master Lin individually cuts the hair rolls and sets them apart.

Figure 12. Attaching the hair to the ferrule

Master Lin attaches the hair to the ferrule using sea weed glue.  He ensures that the hair is in place and intact.  In traditional brushes the ferrule is made of water buffalo horn which is stronger than bamboo by itself.  The ferrule binds the hair to the bamboo handle and ensures a stronger grip on the hair. Using water buffalo horn for a ferrule also gives the brush a different feel.

• Wishing Brush No. 1 
• Wishing Brush No. 2 
• Wishing Brush No. 3

Wishing Brushes are sold exclusively by Good Characters outside of Taiwan.