How to Break in a New Chinese Calligraphy Brush
Got a new calligraphy brush and not sure how to get it ready for use? Many people are confused about how to break in a new Chinese calligraphy brush. To help you out, Qi Ming has documented the entire process of breaking in a new Chinese calligraphy brush with a camera.
Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking in a New Brush
The process is quite simple:
First, get a small bowl of water. If it’s winter, use lukewarm water—just warm to the touch. In the summer, room temperature water is fine.
Submerge the entire brush head into the water.
To speed things up, you can gently press the tip of the brush against the bottom of the bowl.
Take the brush out of the water and lightly twist the bristles to help them separate. This action also helps remove the glue on the surface of the bristles.
Place the brush back into the water, again applying gentle pressure to the brush tip against the bottom of the bowl.
Repeat these steps until the brush is fully fanned out and the bristles are soft. You can then use a paper towel to absorb the extra water, and your brush is ready to be dipped in ink. This is a crucial part of the process to break in a new Chinese calligraphy brush.
An Even Simpler Method
Qi Ming typically uses the method above, but some people prefer an even easier way to break in a new Chinese calligraphy brush:
- 1.Gently rub the brush head with your fingers, starting from the tip and working your way to the base, until all the bristles are loose. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the bristles.
- 2.During this process, some loose bristles may fall out. If these aren’t removed, they can affect your writing. Make sure to gently brush them away with your fingers.
- 3.Place the brush in water and clean it. As you wash, continue to gently stroke the bristles with your fingers until they no longer feel slick. This means the glue has been completely washed out. Finally, use a paper towel to blot the excess water and then you can start dipping it in ink and writing.
Tips for Daily Care of Chinese Calligraphy Brushes
1. How to Wash Your Brush
You should wash your brush immediately after each writing session. The ink contains glue, and if it’s not cleaned off promptly, it will harden on the brush head and can damage the bristles. When washing, gently swish the brush in clean water to remove the ink, then use a paper towel to gently blot away the excess water.
2. How to Moisten Your Brush
Before each use, you should always moisten your brush. Dip it in water to evenly moisten all the bristles, making them more supple. Then, use a clean paper towel to absorb any extra water.
3. How to Store Your Brush
The best way to store a brush is to hang it on a brush holder or lay it flat in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you won’t be using a brush for a long time, you can coat it with a little bit of egg white and shape the tip into a point. Once it’s dry and set, store it in a plastic container. You can also place a mothball in the container to protect the brush from insects.
If you have any other questions about calligraphy brushes, you can check out some of the articles we’ve previously published.
Top 10 Chinese Calligraphy Brushes: The Ultimate Guide to Selection and Care
How to Clean Chinese Calligraphy Brushes: Water-Saving Method That Keeps Your Sink Clean
Are Nylon Calligraphy Brushes Really Bad Quality?
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Splitting: Prevention Tips and Easy Fixes
How to Choose the Right Chinese Calligraphy Brush Size for Your Writing
