Update:December 26th, 2024
Although different opinions exist on the origin of the brush, it is said that pens and brushes made from reeds and other plant fibers were already used in ancient Egypt.
Later, in China in the 200’s B.C., as the writing system matured, brushes made of animal hair, ink sticks, inkstones, and paper, known as the “Four Treasures,” were developed.
Also, in Japan, there are various interpretations of the history of the brush. However, along with the influence of Buddhist culture and the development of unique Japanese cultures such as the Kana script, ink-making and paper-making techniques also improved.
This article features brushes made of bird feathers and other unusual materials that are different from commonly used natural hair brushes made from weasel, horse, raccoon, deer, and goat hair.
Chicken Feather Brush
The feathers have a soft, cotton-like texture that would make you want to keep touching them.
The contrast between the pure white feathers and the well-polished shaft gives a luxurious feel.
Since this brush has a much softer tip compared to other animal hair brushes, it creates a variety of unique lines with just the right balance of “randomness”.
This brush is available in three sizes, small, medium, and large.
In addition, the long handle allows you to create a variety of drawing styles.
Chicken Feather Brush
The Chicken Feather Brush (small) has shorter feathers, which makes it easier to control than longer ones, and using the entire feather may create a unique touch. You can enjoy the different touch between the tip and the belly.
Chicken Feather Brush/ Small
Wild Bird Feather Brush
Wild Bird Feather Brush is one of the largest brushes among the rare brushes introduced here, with a feather length of about 120mm.
This brush allows you to create edgy and powerful strokes by soaking up plenty of paint or Sumi ink or paint with it.
However, it also has irregularities unique to wild birds' feathers, such as random habits and lengths, which may guide you to playful and dynamic brush strokes.
Wild Bird Feather Brush
Peacock Feather Brush
The Peacock Brush has one of the most fascinating and beautiful appearances among the rare brushes.
This peacock blue feather is a precious tail feathers instead of the decorative back feathers. As you can see, it has a symbolic peacock pattern. Its color changes depending on the angle of view. This kind of color is called “structural color” which is interfered with by light, as is also the case with effect pigments.
Each feather has a very thick and soft texture, so it is difficult to control the tips as I suppose, but on the contrary, this characteristic brings out interesting strokes and patterns.
With various movements, it can draw dry or soft lines that have different touches from animal hair brushes.
Peacock Feather Brush
Waterfowl Feather Brush
This brush has a flat belly since it is made of multiple layers of waterfowl feathers.
Each brush has different patterns and colors according to the natural feathers used, and it is the charm of rare brushes.
The waterfowl brush is especially unique due to the size, shape, and texture of its feathers.
In addition to dynamic brush strokes with the feathers laid down, delicate yet strong drybrush techniques are possible with this brush.
Straw Brush
This brush is made from dried plant stems and straw. The brush can produce unique rough brushstrokes.
The fiber is stiff but not too dense, which is ideal for drybrush techniques.
However, it may tear thin paper or delicate substrates, so please test it before using it on your artwork.
Monkey Hair Brush
Last but not the least, the Monkey Hair Brush.
The hair is slightly stiff and the length is 50mm which is capable of drawing gentle lines and textures thanks to how well the brush can absorb water or Sumi ink and paint.
Not to mention, it is not just an interesting brush that has a very good ink absorption and can carry the brush smoothly on the paper by painting with the whole bristle.
Monkey Hair Brush
Bamboo Handle Brush
These brushes have a handle made of bamboo with large knots.
There are two types of brushes: one with squirrel hair, which is soft and easy to absorb water, and the other with goat hair, which is soft and easy to draw with, so please choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
The length of both brushes is 55mm, which is long, and the tips are hardened with glue, so they are versatile enough to be used for everything from fine line drawing to thick strokes depending on how you loosen up the brush hair.
All the brushes introduced here can create various expressions with the combination of substrates, surface textures, and pre-sizing.
For those of you who are willing to try new expressions or are just simply fascinated by the appearance of these rare brushes, now is the perfect time for you to have one of these in your brush collection!
Translated by Atsumi Okano, Nelson Hor Ee Herng
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO
Natsuko Shiraishi
Graduated from the Textile Design at Tama Art University. She is an artist who mainly works with original Washi paper and calligraphy.
Graduated from the Textile Design at Tama Art University. She is an artist who mainly works with original Washi paper and calligraphy.