Traditional Crafts in Aichi
Toyohashi Writing Brushes
December 15,1976
Major productsWriting brushes
Local associationToyohashi Writing Brush Promotion Cooperative
Telephone: 0532-53-4995
Facsimile: 0532-53-4995
History of manufacturing districts
The origins of Toyohashi Writing Brushes date back to 1804 (in the Bunka era in the Edo period) when Suzuki Jinzaemon was invited to Toyohashi (by the Yoshida clan) from Kyoto.
Brush-making grew into an industry in the Toyohashi area primarily because it was chosen as a side job of lower-ranking samurai, and hair of such animals as raccoon dogs and weasels (raw material for the brush head) was readily available.
Features of the products
Different kinds of hair are combined using water, which is the most unique feature of the Toyohashi brush production process.
This process is the key to making the brushes user-friendly: absorbing Indian ink quickly, but releasing it slowly. This is why Toyohashi Writing Brushes are famed as high-quality products.
Manufacturing method
The making of a brush involves about 36 processes, which can be roughly divided into selection, rubbing, combing and mixing of hair, fitting to the handle, finishing, and engraving of an inscription. A craftsman can make 50 thin brushes or 30 thick brushes a day on average.