How to Clean Chinese Brushes Thoroughly and Dry Them Faster

How to Clean Chinese Brushes Thoroughly and Dry Them Faster

Many calligraphy enthusiasts have messaged me privately asking how to clean Chinese brushes thoroughly, especially the root area. Some also want to know how to clean Chinese brushes thoroughly and dry them faster. Since I have some experience with brush cleaning and maintenance, I took several photos of my usual brush cleaning process with my…

Chinese Brush Cap

Don’t Throw Away Your Chinese Brush Cap! Use It to Prevent Handle Cracking

Bamboo handle Chinese brushes often have a tendency to crack, especially brushes with high animal hair content. These brushes absorb more water, making them more prone to cracking. Here, Qi Ming shares a method using the Chinese brush cap to reinforce the brush barrel area, preventing the brush handle from cracking or stopping existing cracks…

Chinese brushes shed

Why Chinese Brushes Shed and How to Prevent It

Many beginners in Chinese calligraphy encounter the frustrating problem when their Chinese brushes shed bristles. What causes Chinese brushes to shed, and more importantly, how can we fix and prevent this issue? Today, Qi Ming will share some practical insights based on personal experience. Why Do Chinese Brushes Shed Bristles? Reason 1: Manufacturing Issues The…

Chinese Brush Bamboo Handles Crack

Why Chinese Brush Bamboo Handles Crack and How to Fix Them

Although the title focuses on why Qi Ming Wen Fang’s bamboo-handled Chinese brushes crack, the truth is that all genuine bamboo-handled Chinese brushes can potentially crack. I’m writing this article not only for myself but also for my fellow Chinese brush sellers. Recently, some calligraphy beginners who purchased bamboo-handled Chinese brushes from Qi Ming Wen…

Chinese Brush Splitting Problems: Learn Proper Brush Adjustment Techniques

Chinese Brush Splitting Problems: Learn Proper Brush Adjustment Techniques

In many cases, Chinese brush splitting happens because users don’t know how to adjust the brush tip properly. Today’s article focuses on this issue and explores proper brush adjustment techniques. I was inspired to write this after receiving a negative review at Qi Ming Wen Fang. Why Write Another Article About Chinese Brush Splitting? I’ve…

How Does Professor Huang Jian Clean Chinese Brushes?

How Does Professor Huang Jian Clean Chinese Brushes?

Qi Ming has previously published articles about how to prepare new Chinese brushes, how to select and maintain brushes, and proper cleaning techniques. Today, we’ll explore the question: How Does Professor Huang Jian Clean Chinese Brushes? Below, Qi Ming will introduce this method through images and text. Full Article: How Does Professor Huang Jian Clean…

Chinese Brush Handles

Understanding Chinese Brush Handles: Materials, Size, and History

When it comes to Chinese brush handles, I’ve learned quite a few lessons through trial and error. When I first started customizing the Qingquan Chinese brush, I used green bamboo handles. However, some calligraphy enthusiasts reported that the green bamboo handles tended to crack easily. Later, I asked my followers to vote on alternatives, and…

Chinese Calligraphy Brush Size Guide

Chinese Calligraphy Brush Size Guide: Large, Medium and Small Script

Many calligraphy enthusiasts, especially beginners, often wonder about Chinese calligraphy brush size: How do we distinguish between large script (da kai), medium script (zhong kai), and small script (xiao kai)? What size Chinese brush should you use for each style? Today, Qi Ming will share insights based on Teacher Huang Jian’s classification method from “Huang…

Chinese Brush Parts

Chinese Brush Parts Guide: Understanding Your Calligraphy Pen

Understanding Chinese brush parts is essential for anyone interested in traditional calligraphy and painting. Whether you’re a beginner choosing your first brush or an experienced artist looking to expand your collection, knowing the different Chinese brush parts will help you make informed decisions. Each component of a Chinese brush serves a specific purpose and affects…