These versatile Chinese calligraphy brushes offer a unique feel and are primarily made from natural animal hair. They are perfect for ink and watercolor painting. Calligraphy brushes are ideal for artists who wish to incorporate traditional techniques and distinctive textures into their work.
With our selection of high-quality calligraphy brushes, you can express yourself on a whole new level. Although these instruments were originally made for writing, contemporary artists have found that a calligraphy brush works incredibly well for watercolor painting. They are a special addition to any studio because of their long, tapered bristles and amazing holding capacity.
Why Use a Chinese Calligraphy Brush?
The magic lies in the brush's ability to dance between fine lines and broad strokes in a single movement.
For watercolor and ink: Chinese calligraphy brushes are made to absorb large volumes of fluid. This makes it possible to create long, continuous, flowing strokes that are not possible with standard brushes. On watercolor paper, they are ideal for expressive landscapes, floral petals, and organic shapes.
For Sumi-e & Writing: Whether you practice traditional script or Sumi-e (ink wash painting), a Chinese calligraphy brush offers the sensitivity required for "bone" (structure) and "flesh" (wash) strokes.
Choosing Your Bristle Type
Wolf/Weasel Hair (Stiffer): These brown-hair brushes have excellent "snap." They are ideal for beginners needing control, fine lines, and bamboo stalks. For intricate work, they go nicely with our colorful paint sets.
Goat/Sheep Hair (Softer): White-hair brushes are incredibly soft and thirsty. They are best for holding water, creating soft washes, and blending.
Mixed Hair: A combination of the two, offering the best of both worlds—water capacity with a resilient core.
Maintenance Tip: Because these brushes use natural hair, they require care. Pair them with our paint brush cleaner to preserve their point and longevity.
FAQs
Q: Can I Use a Calligraphy Brush for Watercolor Painting?
A: Absolutely. A calligraphy brush is very good for watercolor painting because it holds a massive amount of water and pigment, allowing for long, expressive strokes without frequent reloading.
Q: How Do I Choose Between a Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy Brush?
A: Structurally they are very similar. A brush japanese calligraphy style often has a slightly different handle aesthetic, but both function beautifully for ink and watercolor techniques.
Q: How Do I Prevent the Brush Tip From Splitting?
A: Always rinse the ink or paint out thoroughly after use. Hang the brush tip-down to dry so water doesn't seep into the handle. Never leave it sitting in a water pot.
Q: Do I Need Special Paper for These Brushes?
A: Traditionally, yes (Rice or Xuan paper). However, for watercolor techniques, they work exceptionally well on cold-press or rough watercolor paper.
Q: How Do I Hold a Calligraphy Brush Correctly?
A: Unlike a pencil, it is traditionally held vertically (perpendicular to the paper) between the thumb and fingers. This allows the wrist and arm to move freely for fluid strokes.
Let customers speak for us
from 4460 reviews
Super watercolours
Super watercolours, easy application, strong colour
It is absolutely amazing. I’m currently traveling with it and found it a pleasure to work with in small spaces. From the plane to the waiting area at the airport. I will be putting this on my YouTube channel in a few days. Thank you.
I love these paints, the colours are really vibrant, but be careful to fill in the colour chart provided as the actual colours on paper are different to how you might think. Plus the chart is a really useful guide. The texture of the paint is quite soft and creamy, a bit like gouache but in a semi-solid form. Really good coverage yet you can thin with water the same as watercolours. Recommended as an extra artist’s tool.
I love it, it’s a great little set. Very convenient and fits in a small shoulder strap bag i have. It is well made and very cleverly designed. When I ordered it there were no updates after China and I expected it to take three to four weeks but it arrived very quickly. I was very surprised. I would recommend this set to anyone interested in plein air watercolour painting. first perfectly on a tripod I already owned.
The first proper painting I used it for was on an airplane! Was delighted to have been able to paint on a plane.
It is a little smaller than I expected so A5 pads are too big but I have since figured out a way to do it comfortably with a small clipboard attached
I'm just beginning to use them. Part of the learning process of being a beginner. They are very nice and interesting to use. I need more practice, however.
