Chinese brushes are among the iconic tools of art of Chinese calligraphy and painting. In this collection, we present you different models of Chinese watercolor brush suitable for both artists and art lovers. These Chinese brushes have been carefully selected to their quality and beauty. But before that, let's look together at the history of the Chinese brush, the different types of Chinese brushes and the criteria for making a choice.
History of the Chinese brush
The history of ancient Chinese brushes goes back more than two millennia. Their evolution is associated with that of Chinese calligraphy and painting. In these early days, the ancient Chinese brush was made from animal hair such as the rabbit, the wolf, or the llama, with a bamboo handle. Their design met the specific needs of the artists. Over the years and the development of different schools of thought, other materials, styles and techniques for making Chinese ink brushes appeared.
What are the different types of Chinese brushes?
There are different types of Chinese brushes, each with their own characteristics. There are soft-hair brushes, made from fine goat or wolf hair, which are often used to paint landscapes and figures. Thanks to their soft hairs, they allow you to make precise lines and offers a great fluidity in movements.
On the other hand, hard bristle brushes are perfect for calligraphy. Often made of synthetic fibers, the stiffness of these Chinese watercolor brushes allows you to create clean and dynamic lines more easily. Finally, you can find hybrid brushes that combine both soft and hard bristles. These Chinese accessories are therefore versatile and allow a variety of artistic techniques.
How to choose a Chinese brush?
There are several things to consider when selecting a Chinese brush. First, consider the type of artistic work that you want to achieve. For calligraphy, a large brush with hard bristles is recommended, while for landscape painting, a soft bristle brush would be more suitable. The size of the Chinese brush will also depend on the intended use. For example, a giant Chinese brush is dedicated to calligraphy, while a small one is used to paint minute details and make fine lines.
Next, consider the quality of the materials used to make the Chinese watercolor brush. Quality Chinese brushes are often made from natural hair. These are durable and offer great performance. There are also brushes made from high-end synthetic fibers that are just as durable.
Finally, grip and comfort are two elements that should not be forgotten. Indeed, a good balance between the handle and the bristles of the brush allows you to handle and control the brush easily during use. You can buy a brush holder to better preserve your brushes and have them in hand easily.
