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Chinese and Sumi-e Paints, Paper and Brushes
Chinese painting is one of the oldest artistic traditions in the world. Traditional painting uses the same techniques and materials as Chinese calligraphy and so is executed with a pointed tipped brush, dipped in black ink formed from hardened pine soot and glue. In Japan this type of painting is called "Sumi-e", which means "black ink painting".
Colour also features, but it is there to make the painting true to life or to add decoration, but is rarely added as an integral element in the design, as in Western art.
The practise is traditionally first learned by repetition, in which the master shows the "right way" to draw items. The apprentice must copy these items strictly and continuously until the movements become instinctive. Each brushstroke has meaning and painting onto silk or fine absorbent paper does not allow for correction or removal, so painting demands confidence, speed and mastery of technique acquired only by long practise.
Unfortunately, identifying the hair from which traditional Chinese brushes are made is not an exact science, unless you use science to identify the hairs themselves. We rely on the information received direct from the manufacturer, which we then pass on in good faith. However, it is not unusual for confusion to creep into the type of hair used in Chinese brushes as much can be lost in translation, similarities between furs and the traditions of 6,000 years of Chinese brush making.
