Handmade Driftwood White Horsehair Sumi-e Brush

This handmade Sumi-e brush features premium white horsehair set into a naturally shaped driftwood handle. I found the driftwood along the north shore of Flathead Lake in Montana, then cut and sanded it by hand, carefully smoothing the entire surface and removing any sharp edges. The handle is finished with an organic beeswax wood treatment that brings out the natural color and character of the wood and gives it a smooth feel in the hand.

The brush head is made with premium white horsehair with natural, uncut tips. I lightly trimmed and rounded the sides of the brush head while leaving most of the natural tips intact. This gives the brush a soft, slightly rounded shape while maintaining the fine ends of the horsehair.

The longer bristle length gives this brush a soft flex and gentle spring. It holds ink and water well and can produce long, fluid marks when moved across the surface. Changing the angle and pressure allows the bristle to open and create wider marks, while lighter pressure uses the finer tips for narrower strokes.

Best For

• Sumi-e and ink painting
• Expressive mark making
• Long, fluid strokes
• Broad strokes using the full brush head
• Watercolor and other water-based media

Performance

• Soft flex with gentle spring
• Good absorbency
• Long bristle for extended, fluid marks
• Primarily uncut natural tips
• Responds to changes in pressure and angle
• Can move from narrower lines to broad, open marks

Specifications

• Premium white horsehair
• Natural, primarily uncut tips
• Semi-rounded brush head
• Bristle length: approximately 4 inches
• Driftwood handle length: approximately 9.5 inches
• Hand-shaped driftwood handle
• Driftwood collected along the north shore of Flathead Lake, Montana
• Hand-sanded and finished with organic beeswax wood treatment
• Leather hanging loop
• Handmade by Elizabeth Schowachert

Care

Rinse thoroughly with clean water after use. Gently reshape the bristle and allow the brush to dry naturally. Do not soak the handle or leave the brush standing in water.

The brush shown in the photographs is the exact brush you will receive.