Kuretake was founded in Nara in 1902, starting with the traditional Japanese craft of inkstick making.
Kuretake Japanese Brushes
These are high-quality brushes made in Japan. We use carefully selected hairs to create brushes that possess all the necessary elements such as tip shape, cohesion, and elasticity.
Each brush is adjusted to provide the ideal writing feel for different calligraphy styles.
🖌Japanese Calligraphy Brush Guide
This is based on the differences in how characters are simplified (Kaisho = standing, Gyosho = walking, Sosho = running).
Here, we clearly introduce the characteristics of brushes best suited for each purpose.
A brush made with stiff hair (hard hair: goat, horse).
Each stroke is precisely written, creating a clear script. The brush is moved relatively slowly.
A brush made with a blend of stiff hair (horse) and soft hair (goat).
The brushstrokes are slightly more connected than in Kaisho, conveying a flowing softness.
A brush made with soft hair (goat, horse).
It holds a good amount of ink and is suitable for renmen (continuous writing).
Strokes are highly abbreviated, expressing rhythm at a faster speed.
A brush made with soft hair (weasel).
The lines are thin, suitable for flowing renmen, and convey sharpness within softness.
For traditional Japanese kana characters such as waka, Man'yoshu, and copying old manuscripts.
A brush made with slightly stiff hair (weasel, horse).
It is characterized by its excellent tip cohesion and strong elasticity, suitable for writing fine Kaisho script.
Inshu Shodo Hanshi
Calligraphy paper (hanshi) made in Inshu.
Inshu, located in the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture, is one of Japan's Washi paper producing regions.
Blessed with abundant clean water resources, it has supported Japanese calligraphy culture for approximately 1300 years, from the Nara period to the present day.
Inshu Washi is highly regarded as calligraphy paper due to its excellent quality.
①-a For Practice/Formal Writing
Inshu Washi, machine-made, slightly thick hanshi.
It resists bleeding and tearing even with plenty of ink. The brush lifts easily, making it easy to use.
It is suitable for beginners with fewer characters, as there is less need to worry about ink volume or brush speed.
①-b For Formal Writing
Inshu Washi, machine-made with a handmade feel, slightly thick hanshi.
It has minimal bleeding and allows for appropriateかすれ (kasuri) effects.
The brush lifts and sinks well, providing a pleasant writing experience. The ink color also appears beautifully.
②-a For Practice/Formal Writing
Inshu Washi, machine-made, slightly thin hanshi. Gasan-me finish.
The paper is white, and with ink of normal concentration, it shows moderate bleeding.
Also suitable for copying in浓墨 (heavy ink).
②-b For Formal Writing
Inshu Washi, machine-made with a handmade feel, slightly thin hanshi.
Gasan-me finish. It has a good grip, making for a pleasant writing experience.
It allows for soft bleeding effects, enabling variations in expression.
Also suitable for copying in浓墨 (heavy ink).
③-a For Practice/Formal Writing
Inshu Washi, machine-made, thick and easy-to-handle hanshi for kana.
It has almost no bleeding, making it suitable for beginners practicing fine kana script and everyday writing.
③-b For Formal Writing
Inshu Washi, machine-made, medium-thick improved hanshi for kana.
It has almost no bleeding, making it suitable for formal writing of fine kana script and everyday writing.
[Kyo Hanshibasami] Paper Holder
A handmade hanshibasami (paper holder) made with vibrant Yuzen Chiyogami paper.
With an inner pocket, it's convenient for storing and carrying hanshi (calligraphy paper) and han-kaishi (half-sized calligraphy paper).
It can hold approximately 100 sheets of hanshi. It can store sizes up to hanshi and han-kaishi.
Maximum storage size: 340 x 250mm
Seigai & Akabana Pattern
Seigai & Aobana Pattern
Other Calligraphy Supplies
Ogatsu Natural Inkstone / 4.5 hiratake
Inheriting a tradition that dates back to the Muromachi period, skilled artisans meticulously carve each inkstone from black hard slate, "Ogatsu stone."
Ogatsu inkstones are highly valued as calligraphy inkstones due to their excellent quality.
Fudemaki Takeshiro (Bamboo Brush Roll)
A brush roll made from high-quality bamboo. Its breathability helps preserve the brush tips and store calligraphy brushes.
Shitajiki (Underlay) Standard Size 2mm
Standard size (for hanshi paper). Made from high-quality felt that is supple and resistant to wrinkles.
