“Bunbou-Shihou (文房四宝, also known as the Four Treasures of the Study)” is a term indicating the four essential items for calligraphy and ink wash painting which include brush, paper, inkstick and inkstone.
It is said that people's interest in and appreciation of these stationery items dates back to the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 BC). These items were introduced to Japan through the Koguryo Dynasty on the Korean peninsula around the 7th century, along with paper manufacturing technology.
Buddhism was one of the reasons that these stationary items became in high demand. Since these tools were used for copying sutras, the techniques have improved throughout history.
Moreover, the Bunbou-Shihou is not just a tool for calligraphy but is also often valued as art pieces, therefore, in this article, let’s focus on these treasures.
It can be said that showing extraordinary care even for tools that do not directly affect the art pieces or drawing techniques is an art philosophy that is unique to Asian art.
ーWater Dropper
As the phrase “Sumi ni Gosai* ari (墨に五彩あり)” suggests, Sumi ink can express a variety of colors even if its ingredients are only soot and animal glue, while the key is water.
*In Japanese, Gosai (五彩) is a word that refers to an infinite number of colors.
The Japanese word for the act of “grinding” an inkstick is pronounced as suru (する, same pronunciation as the word “to do” in Japanese), however, the Kanji character is written as 磨る which is the same character used for the word “to polish / to rub (磨く, pronounced as miigaku)”.
Therefore, when grinding an inkstick, it is very important to add water little by little on the hill area and adjust the thickness of the ink by rubbing the stick slowly. In other words, you can create different shades of ink by simply changing how much water and how long you grind the inksticks.
From the PIGMENT TOKYO ARTICLES “Introduction to Duan Inkstone and She Inkstone”
These water droppers are used for this purpose.
If the proper amount of water is not added and the ink is not properly rubbed on the stone, the ink will not be made successfully, or you might damage the inkstone.
The photo below shows “Water Dropper Round / Blue Flower” and
“ Water Dropper Square / Blue Flower” which is available at PIGMENT TOKYO.
They come in a cute shape and are recommended when you want to pour a little bit of water on the inkstone.
Left: Water Dropper Round / Blue Flower
Right: Water Dropper Square / Blue Flower
These are what the design looks like from above.
The two holes are made for adjusting the amount of water poured by closing one of the holes with your finger.
If you have visited or lived in Japan, you may be familiar with the design of soy sauce bottles.
Water Dropper Round / Blue Flower
Water Dropper Square / Blue Flower
For more information on how to grind Sumi ink, please take a look at the following tutorial video.
【TUTORIAL】Rubbing Sumi Ink-stick/墨の磨り方
There is also a copper water dropper which the design is inspired by one of the Chinese spiritual beasts called Xuanwu. The tortoise is a symbol of longevity and immortality, while the snake is a symbol of fertility, when both are entwined into one, it is also considered to be the messenger of the underworld.
Water Dropper Antique Copper Xuanwu
*Sorry, this item is no longer available.
Up close, you can even see how the toenails are carved.
This slightly larger water dropper is also recommended for adjusting the color tone of ink after grinding on inkstones.
Water Dropper Oval / Blue Flower
*Sorry, this item is no longer available.
ーBrush Rests
In PIGMENT TOKYO, we also carry brush rests for placing brushes while painting.
The brush rests are made of celadon porcelain and cast iron, their small sizes making them perfect for less than five brushes.
Brush Holder / Anguirus Iron Casting
*Sorry, this item is no longer available.
There are also large brush rests made of natural redwood or rosewood. The beauty of calligraphy and painting supplies is that they are not only practical but also visually pleasing.
Brush Holder / Natural Red tree
*Sorry, this item is no longer available.
Brush Holder / Natural Red tree
*Sorry, this item is no longer available.
Fun fact, “Bunbou-Shihou” (文房四宝) is sometimes written as ”Bunbo-Shiyuu” (文房四友) in Japanese.
As I mentioned before, 文房 means studio； 四 means four； 宝 means treasure； while 友 means companions.
Sometimes 友 is used as the fourth letter instead of 宝.
Tools are both treasures to be admired and friends to work along together.
Therefore, I hope you will find the right tools at PIGMENT TOKYO!
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO
Akira Oya
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.