Shodo Daisuki Episode 5
Shodo Daisuki Episode 5
Have Three Favorite Brushes Ready!
Shodo Daisuki – Episode 05 “Shimauchi” from Shodo Daisuki explains why it’s best to have three of your favorite brushes!
Shodo Daisuki Episode 5 – Video Overview
Calligraphy enthusiast Shimauchi explains proper brush care and management.
In particular, he emphasizes the importance of preparing three identical brushes for hanshi-size practice.
If you only use one brush, it won’t have enough time to dry fully after washing; moisture left inside the ferrule can cause hairs to rot and break, lowering brush quality.
By keeping three, you can extend the rotation cycle so each brush has time to dry completely. For example: use Brush #1 on Day 1 (then wash), Brush #2 on Day 2, Brush #3 on Day 3; by Day 4, Brush #1 is thoroughly dry and ready to use again.
He also demonstrates with a brush comb how hairs can break when ink remains at the base or when the inside of the ferrule stays damp. Preparing multiple brushes from the same production lot helps minimize subtle differences in writing feel.
He wraps up by inviting viewers to subscribe and like the video as he continues sharing tips.
YouTube – Shodo Daisuki Episode 5
Shimauchi 00:00
Hi, it’s Shimauchi. Are you enjoying calligraphy today?
I’ve got my brush again. Holding a brush settles my mind and lets me focus only on writing — entering the “zone.”
Shimauchi 00:20
I love that moment. It’s when calligraphy feels most fun to me.
For hanshi practice, I actually keep three identical brushes that I like.
Shimauchi 00:36
You might wonder, “Why three?” There’s a good reason, and I’ll explain.
Shimauchi 00:56
Many people carefully use one favorite brush: ink, write, wash, and dry — repeat.
As you write more, you improve, and you use the brush more frequently.
Shimauchi 01:11
Then suddenly the brush feels thinner, or the spread isn’t great, or hairs slip out from the tip when you’re ready to push yourself. Sound familiar?
Shimauchi 01:25
It’s tempting to say, “It’s a consumable, so that’s life,” but I think that’s not the whole story. There’s usually a reason.
Shimauchi 01:40
Let’s check with a brush comb.
This brush has been washed well; even if I wet it, it won’t stain with ink.
I’ll run the comb through it…
Shimauchi 01:58
More than expected, short hairs come out. The hairs inside the ferrule have broken and become short.
Shimauchi 02:19
Why do they break? Even if you wash thoroughly, ink can remain at the base; or, even if the ink is gone, the ferrule can stay damp, causing the hairs to rot and break. That’s what we’re seeing.
Shimauchi 02:40
To prevent this, one brush isn’t enough time-wise for the inside to dry completely.
Shimauchi 02:57
The solution is three brushes. Use, wash, and then let each one dry for long enough.
Shimauchi 03:12
Day 1: write, wash, hang to dry (Brush #1).
Day 2: Brush #2 (Brush #1 still isn’t dry).
Day 3: Brush #3 (Brush #2 begins drying).
Day 4: Brush #1 is now fully dry and ready again.
Shimauchi 03:47
This way you keep your favorite brush model in peak condition, maximizing quality and performance.
Shimauchi 04:05
Your strokes will show the brush’s full potential, and you’ll feel your writing improve — which makes calligraphy even more fun. It’s win-win for both the brush and you.
Shimauchi 04:18
If three feels tough, try at least two. If you’ve only ever used one, please give this a try.
Shimauchi 04:34
You’ll notice the difference when a brush is fully dried properly.
Shimauchi 04:50
If you’ve already found a brush you love, I recommend getting several of the same model.
Feel can differ slightly by production timing, so, if possible, choose multiple from the same lot to reduce variability.
Shimauchi 05:07
That’s it for today. If this was helpful, please like and subscribe.
Shimauchi 05:25
I still get nervous filming, but I’m doing my best to convey useful information. I’ll keep working hard — thanks for your support. See you again!
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