Umar Farouk from Nigeria is now studying architecture at Northeastern University in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province. He holds a special fondness for Chinese architectural art, and often depicts the beauty of China through his brushes. Upon hearing that “magic brushes” in China can actually “create beautiful writing”, he was filled with questions, and decided to follow the “Liaoning Craftsmanship” host Scarlett to find out more.

Upon entering Hu Kuizhang Chinese Calligraphy Brush Workshop, a rich aroma of ink greeted Umar, as if opening the gates of time and space and transporting him back to an era when scholars and poets gathered. “Among the Four Treasures of the Study in China, the writing brush ranks first. A qualified writing brush must meet the four standards: pointed, even, round, and resilient,” said the workshop manager. “The brush-making process at Hu Kuizhang Chinese Calligraphy Brush Workshop involves 126 procedures in eight major steps, namely material preparation, hair selection, ramie processing, soaking, drying, shaft making, binding, and inscription. As a representative of northern school brush making techniques, Hu Kuizhang’s ramie processing is unique, requiring over 20 procedures to achieve the effect of ‘dipping once and writing hundreds of characters’.”

With curiosity sparkling in his eyes, Umar couldn’t wait to personally experience this magical craft. Under the guidance of the teacher, he embarked on the journey of making a writing brush with Scarlett. From “combing the ramie” to “shaping the brush head”, from “selecting the hair” to “inscribing and coloring”, Umar performed each action carefully. His brows were sometimes furrowed and sometimes relaxed, indicating that such delicate craft was both novel and challenging for him. As time passed, he gradually became proficient. His lips involuntarily curled into a smile, with a sense of accomplishment flowing in his eyes: “So this is how a writing brush is made!”

“The writing brush is not merely a tool for writing. The historical depth and cultural connotations it carries are beyond my imagination,” exclaimed Umar with astonishment and admiration after the experience. “Each writing brush is a crystallization of tradition and wisdom. The hard work and commitment of brush makers enable each ‘magic brush’ to ‘bring forth beautiful writing’.”