Hengshui Writing Brushes

Hengshui Writing Brushes

　　Hengshui Writing Brushes

　　Hengshui has been famous for producing writing brushes since ancient times and is known as the "holy land of writing brushes." Its main production area, Hou Dian Brigade, is hailed as the "hometown of writing brushes in the north." On the third day of the third lunar month each year, artisans from Hengshui’s writing brush producing areas gather together in celebration, much like during Chinese New Year, to commemorate Meng Tian, the founder of the writing brush. According to historical records, "Meng Tian of the Qin Dynasty was the first to make brushes using rabbit hair and bamboo tubes." This day falls on the third day of the third lunar month. During the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, Hengshui writing brush artisan Li Wenkui once opened a brush shop in Beijing. A eunuch who was fond of calligraphy became sworn brothers with him. The eunuch often purchased the brushes he made and brought them into the imperial palace, where they were greatly appreciated by the emperor. Hengshui writing brushes are finely crafted and of excellent quality. Their brush heads are made from select animal hairs such as yellow weasel tail, civet tail, and goat hair from the southern mountains—all known for their strength and flexibility—and are processed with great care.

　　As a result, the brush tips are resilient yet flexible, firm yet soft, capable of holding a large amount of ink, and highly durable. The brush tubes are mostly made from fine materials such as Luohan bamboo, Phoenix Eye bamboo, Xiangfei bamboo, White Face bamboo, Purple bamboo, Mottled bamboo, and precious hardwoods, all meticulously crafted. The brush ferrules and tops are often adorned with ivory, bone, horn, bamboo, or wood carvings, using intricate inlay and mounting techniques, resulting in an exceptionally refined and unique design. Hengshui writing brushes come in a rich variety of styles and are exquisitely packaged. Just the Hou Dian Brigade Brush Factory alone has created over 170 new varieties, such as Fengyun (Winds and Clouds), Shuiyue (Moon over Water), and Guyu (Ancient Jade). Some are embossed with designs like “Single Dragon Coiling Around a Pillar,” “Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl,” and “Dragon Playing with a Phoenix.” Others feature carvings of figures from legends such as “Mu Guiying Takes Command,” “The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl,” and “Prosperity, Wealth, Longevity, and Happiness.” Some even bear inscriptions of famous poetic verses, adding a splendid touch to the writing brush, which is considered the foremost of the “Four Treasures of the Study.”