Traditional Japanese calligraphy originates from Chinese culture, which is why they share so many commonalities. Japanese calligraphy is a profound art, and although it is divided into several writing styles, certain principles apply across the board, the most important of which are the method, direction, angle of the brushstroke, and the speed of the stroke. When writing, we shouldn't rush, as in Japan, calligraphy is considered a form of meditation, so smooth, controlled, and conscious brush movements produce the most beautiful results.

In Japan, the Nara Prefecture, formerly known as Yamato, is considered the cradle of calligraphy and the manufacturers supplying brushes, brush pens, and all the instruments necessary for this art. It was there that the beginnings of Japanese writing were born, and it's no coincidence that the Akashyia brand, whose calligraphy brushes and brush pens recently arrived in Poland, is located.

But what exactly is it about these brushes? How do they differ from others? The answer is simple and probably unsurprising – the bristles. Akashyia is one of the most popular and respected manufacturers of calligraphy brushes and instruments. From the brand's inception until now, all their brushes have been made entirely by hand, using primarily natural materials such as bamboo and natural bristles. Creating such a brush is a very long process, divided into 14 stages, starting with combing the bristles, then trimming them several times, rolling them, dipping them, drying them, dipping them again, drying them again, and finally gluing them and giving them their final shape. Of course, there can be many more stages, depending on the type of bristles used.

Japanese calligraphy instruments can be divided into two types: traditional dip brushes and cartridge-powered brush pens. Akashiya offers brush pen sets with decorative, handmade cases.

A single brush can consist of a mixture of up to ten different types of bristles! The combinations are truly endless, depending on the brush's properties: hard, soft, medium-flexible, for beginners, or for advanced users. The most popular materials are goat, horse, weasel, raccoon, rabbit, cat, squirrel (including flying squirrels), and deer. The area from which the bristles are collected and the season are also important.

All of our selected thick brushes: Akashiya Senjimon No. 3, Akashiya Ryumon, and Akashiya Shinyosui No. 3, are designed for beginners and intermediate calligraphers. This thinnest brush is also suitable for sumi-e.

Brushes made of synthetic fibers also occur, and they are typically used to create brush pens with replaceable cartridges. Because these are portable instruments, and the synthetic bristles mean they will simply last longer. Of course, to ensure the brushes last as long as possible, proper care is essential, both for natural and synthetic bristle brushes. After each use, rinse the brush under running, lukewarm water, working the ink from top to bottom, toward the brush's taper, while being careful not to let any water get into the area where the bristles meet the handle or barrel. When clear water runs down the brush, it's completely clean and should be placed on a towel to dry completely.