Chiyomi Tanaka is a shokunin (master craftsperson) who pours her passion into the traditional art of Japanese brush making. As the first female dento kogeishi (master craftsperson designated by the Japanese government) for Nara Fude, she has earned the highest recognition for her exceptional skills and dedication.

With a deep love for her craft, Tanaka takes pride in creating brush heads with a distinctive structure: a stiff inner core wrapped in softer hairs. This unique construction, achieved through a meticulous process of repeatedly wetting and drying the brushes, results in tools that are both beautiful and functional, ensuring both quality and uniqueness. Her passionate artistry has made her renowned worldwide.

Shodo Doodles is proud to have permission from Tanaka-san to sell her brushes in the US and abroad.

You can read more about Chiyomi Tanaka in the New York Times . See link below. Check our media section to view her making brushes.