These Japanese brushes are all of a traditional design and have been developed over centuries of usage and are suitable for those engaged in paper conservation. In recent years the number of craftsmen manufacturing brushes have decreased and so have good-quality raw materials. Correct maintenance is necessary as brush performance may vary in climates that are greatly different from Japan’s relatively moist temperate climate.

Dami-Bake

Hair-weasel, handle-bamboo, binding-resin.

Made from weasel hair, highly valued by craftsmen. The handle is carved bamboo, split at one end to attach the brush base, which is bonded with a special resin material. This is the preferred brush of traditional Japanese lacquer craftsmen, providing superior liquid absorption and making clean, even coating possible.

Kataha-Bake

Hair-horse (torso), handle-bamboo, binding-cotton.

Ashige-Kanamaki-Bake

Hair-horse, handle-Ho-no-ki, binding-brass.

Mizu-Bake

Hair-sheep, handle-Hinoki, binding-silk & Stainless Steel filament.

Naze-Bake

Hair- hemp, handle-Hinoki, binding-Stainless Steel.

Nori-Bake

Hair-horse (mane, tail), handle-Hinoki, binding-silk.

Shashi-Bake

Hair-horse (torso), handle-bamboo, binding-cotton.

Shiro-Ebake

Hair-sheep, handle-Hinoki, binding-silk.

Surikomi-Bake

Hair – horse (torso), handle-bamboo, binding-cotton.

A very thick-bodied brush made with soft horsehair taken from the torso area. Traditionally used for daubing powdered pigment on paper, and for different blending techniques. Also used for various detail work. Available in a wide range of sizes.

Tako-Bake

Hair-deer, handle-bamboo, binding-cotton.

Tsukemawashi-Bake

Hair-horse (tail), handle-Hinoki, binding-silk.