Chinese calligraphy brushes are essential tools in the art of calligraphy. They can be classified into various categories based on their materials, shapes, and uses. Here are the main classifications of Chinese calligraphy brushes:
毛笔 (Máobǐ): The maobi, or traditional Chinese brush, is the most commonly used tool in Chinese calligraphy. It is usually made from animal hair. Depending on the source of the hair, its hardness, and sharpness, maobi can be further divided into categories such as yangmaobi (sheep hair brush), jianhaobi (mixed hair brush), and langhaobi (wolf hair brush). The tip of the maobi can create various brush strokes, suitable for different calligraphic styles.
硬笔 (Yìngbǐ): Yingbi, or hard brushes, are writing instruments made from metal or other rigid materials. Hard brush calligraphy is primarily used in education and for business documents. It is more standardized and structured compared to the fluidity of the maobi, focusing on clear shapes.
宣纸笔 (Xuānzhǐ bǐ): Xuanzhi bi are brushes designed specifically for Xuan paper, a traditional paper used for calligraphy and painting. The brush tip is soft and suitable for writing on Xuan paper.
细毫笔 (Xì háo bǐ): Xihao bi, or fine-haired brushes, have extremely fine tips and are commonly used for creating intricate details in calligraphic and artistic works.
软笔 (Ruǎn bǐ): Ruan bi, or soft brushes, have relatively softer bristles and are suitable for freehand calligraphy styles that emphasize lively expression.
骨笔 (Gǔ bǐ): Gu bi, or bone brushes, are a special type of hard brush typically made from animal bones. They have been historically used less frequently but can still be seen in specific calligraphic works.
刀笔 (Dāo bǐ): Daobi, or knife brushes, have a blade-like shape and are used for carving or engraving characters on materials like bamboo.
钢笔 (Gāng bǐ): Gangbi, or fountain pens, are modern writing instruments introduced to China. They have steel nibs and are suitable for precise writing, although they are less common in traditional calligraphy.
These classifications represent only a portion of the diversity in calligraphy brushes, as there are many other specialized types. Different brushes have distinct characteristics, catering to various calligraphic styles and techniques.
