Here we will explain the tools and how to care for them.
For writing and drawing techniques, please study from your teacher, textbooks, or videos.

How to use the brush

[First time using a brush]
– Remove the cap from the brush and discard it. (Do not put the cap back on.)
– To dissolve the glue that holds the brush bristles together, soak the brush in cold or lukewarm water and rub it gently to loosen it.

[After using and storing the brush]
– After use, rinse the bristles thoroughly with water to remove any ink. If any ink remains, it will dry out and cause the bristles to break or crack, so be sure to remove the ink thoroughly now.
– Shape the bristles and hang them in a well-ventilated place to dry naturally. If you are writing in a classroom or other place and want to take the brush home, put it in a brush roll and let it dry naturally at home.

[If the tip of the brush has hardened]
– The ink may have reached the base and hardened, so leave it in lukewarm water up to the base and hang it up for about half a day.
– Once the ink has dissolved and the bristles have loosened, rinse with water to remove all the ink, then hang it in a well-ventilated place to dry naturally.

Ink stick and Stone

[After using ink]
– After use, wipe off moisture with used paper. Avoid using soft paper such as tissue as it may stick to the surface.
– Store in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and places with drastic temperature changes. If you have a paulownia box, store it in that.

[After using the inkstone]
– After use, wipe off any remaining ink with used paper. (If you pour a large amount of ink down the sink, it may stain the sink, etc.)
– After that, wash with water using your hands or a sponge. Do not use hard scrubbing pads as they will scratch the inkstone.
– Hard ink may remain on the edges, so wash carefully, and if it does not come off, soak in water for about 30 minutes before washing.

Brush rest , Water pitcher , Paper weight

[Brush rest]
– Place the brush here when not using it or writing.

[Water pitcher]
– Use to fill the inkstone with water. Dip the inkstone into the stored water to fill it with water.

[Paperweight]
– Use to hold down the paper.

Ink pot

【Ink pot】
– Fill it with water and use it to wash your brush and straighten the bristles.
– The lid can be used as a palette, so you can add water to dilute ink when doing sumi-e.

Felt mat , Brush roll

[Felt mat]
– Place it under the paper when writing or drawing.

[Brush roll]
– Use it when carrying your brush. (It’s well ventilated so your brush won’t get damaged.)