Shodo Daisuki Episode 6
Shodo Daisuki Episode 5
Have Three Favorite Brushes Ready!
Shodo Daisuki – Episode 05 “Shimauchi” from Shodo Daisuki explains why it’s best to keep three of your favorite brushes!
Shodo Daisuki Episode 5 – Video Overview
Calligraphy lover Shimauchi explains how to properly care for brushes.
In particular, he stresses the importance of preparing three identical brushes for writing on hanshi paper.
Using only one brush gives it no time to fully dry after washing; moisture left inside the ferrule can cause hairs to rot and break, degrading the brush.
By keeping three, you can extend the usage cycle so each brush has time to dry completely. For example: use Brush #1 on Day 1 and wash it; use #2 on Day 2; #3 on Day 3; then on Day 4, #1 will be completely dry and ready again.
He also demonstrates with a brush comb how hairs can be found broken if ink remains at the base or if the ferrule stays damp. Preparing multiple brushes from the same production lot also minimizes subtle differences in feel.
He concludes by inviting viewers to subscribe and like the video, and says he’ll keep sharing helpful information.
YouTube – Shodo Daisuki Episode 5
Shimauchi 00:00
Hi, it’s Shimauchi, a big fan of calligraphy.
Are you enjoying calligraphy today?
I picked up my brush again today.
Holding a brush really calms me down.
I can focus solely on writing characters—entering that “zone.”
Shimauchi 00:20
I love that moment.
It’s one of the reasons calligraphy feels so fun to me.
For hanshi, which I use often, I actually keep three identical brushes that I really like.
Shimauchi 00:36
You might wonder, “Why three?”
There’s a good reason, and I’ll explain it today.
Shimauchi 00:56
Many of you probably treasure a favorite brush—ink, write, rinse thoroughly, then dry, repeating that cycle.
As you write more and more, your brush gets more use.
Shimauchi 01:11
Then suddenly the brush that used to write so well feels thin, doesn’t open or close nicely, or hairs start falling out from the tip right when you’re ready to improve.
Shimauchi 01:25
It’s easy to shrug and say, “It’s a consumable; it wore out.”
But I think that’s not the whole story.
There’s always a reason why performance declines.
Shimauchi 01:40
Let’s check with a brush comb to see what’s going on.
This brush has already been washed thoroughly, so it won’t stain with ink if it gets wet.
Shimauchi 01:58
I’ll comb it now… You see? More hairs than expected come out, and they’re short.
Inside the ferrule there are hairs, but many have broken short.
Shimauchi 02:19
So the hairs are breaking.
Even when you think you’ve washed well, ink can remain at the base.
Or even if the ink is gone, the ferrule may not be fully dry.
Shimauchi 02:40
When that happens, hairs can rot inside the ferrule.
Those weakened hairs then snap and come out when combing.
Shimauchi 02:57
To prevent this, using just one brush isn’t ideal; the cycle is too short to let the ferrule dry completely.
Shimauchi 03:12
That’s why I keep three brushes.
Write with one, wash it, then let it dry—giving it ample time.
Day 1: use #1, wash, and hang to dry.
Next day, #2. Wash and hang again.
Shimauchi 03:32
On Day 3, you might think #1 is dry, but often it’s still slightly damp, so use #3.
By Day 4, #1 is fully dry and ready.
Shimauchi 03:47
This way, your favorite brush is always in top condition, maximizing quality and performance.
Shimauchi 04:05
You’ll get better and better—and enjoy calligraphy even more.
It’s good for the brush and good for you—a win-win.
That’s why I recommend keeping three.
Shimauchi 04:18
If three is tough, at least two.
If you’ve always used only one, give this a try.
You’ll feel the difference when a brush is used thoroughly dry.
Shimauchi 04:34
I’ve shared many tips about handling brushes.
If you’ve already found one you love, I suggest getting multiple of the same model.
Shimauchi 04:50
Also, brushes can feel slightly different depending on when they were made.
Using brushes from the same lot minimizes those subtle differences.
Shimauchi 05:07
That’s all for today’s video.
If it was helpful, please subscribe and give it a like.
Shimauchi 05:25
I’m still getting used to filming and get pretty nervous, but I’m trying my best to convey useful info.
Shimauchi 05:42
I’ll keep working hard, so please stay tuned.
See you next time!
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