Chiyomi Tanaka

Mar 28

Written By AB

Fude (Brush): A History in Japan

The fude, or writing brush, was introduced to Japan from China in the 4th or 5th century CE. Buddhist monks, merchants, government officials, and immigrants brought this essential tool along with the written language itself. By the 6th century, the writing brush became more widespread throughout Japan, largely due to the spread of Buddhism.

In 710 CE, Emperor Gennmei established Nara as the capital of Japan and adopted the Chinese Tang dynasty's bureaucratic system and architectural style. The imperial court used writing and religion to consolidate its power, and ink sticks and writing brushes became essential for recording historical events, copying Buddhist sutras, and drafting laws.

During the Heian period (794–1185 CE), the renowned monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi), who had traveled to China as an envoy, introduced the art of brush-making to Yamato Province (present-day Nara). This marked the beginning of Japanese brush-making.

While brush-making centers exist in various parts of Japan today, such as Kumano-cho in Hiroshima Prefecture, the craft originated in Nara, carrying on a tradition over 1,200 years old.