MASTER-SERIES: RED-HANDLE Hand-made Cat-Hair Maki-e Brush by Master Murata Kurobe-e
 
Maki-e brush size is defined by the color of the handle.  Yellow being the thickest, followed by Black and then Red. 
 
This 25mm cat-hair brush is made by brush master Mr. Murata Kurobee of Kyoto. This RED-handle brush has a long name 赤軸根朱替. [根朱] is a synonym for rat hair. The brush head is adjustable and removable for different brush-control and for cleaning. The fine, 25mm-long hair gives you precise, fine lacquer line in 1 simple drag.
 
Mr. Murata is one of the few remaining maki-e brush artisans in Japan. His work is in high demand as the tedious hand-made production process is very slow. Each brush is like a piece of art.
 
THE LEGEND OF MAKI-E BRUSH:
Centuries ago, very specific rats residing at store rooms of sailing ships would be used for these brushes. Artisans have tried hairs from various animals and have selected these specific rats as they were well-fed by grains in the store room and stays indoor, so their hair remains fine and soft. There is no longer rats from sail boats, so these maki-e brushes are now made with cat-hair. Thus, the word [替] means substitution.
 
Japan's Handmade cat-hair brush is a very important tool for Maki-e Artisan. Centuries of trial-and-error with different hair types and brush sizes have led to the perfected, beautiful maki-e brushes. They are the pride of the brush artisans as well as maki-e artisans. And since the foundation of kinstugi was set by Maki-e masters, serious learners should learn and use maki-e brushes in their practices. 
 
My personal experience with artisanal maki-e brush is, once you get used to using it, it is hard to go back to cheap nylon brush.  It is very well-made and the natural hair gives the right amount of tension to pull smooth skinny lines.   As with any brush, if maintained well, it will last for decades.  This brush does deserves a lot of care.  
 
Professional maki-e brush is designed to have adjustable brush-head where the length of the hair can be extended or retracted. It is also designed to be removed for extensive cleaning after each use. As with all fine-quality handmade items, take very good care of it and it will last you a long time.
 
We will provide instructional video in the near future in explaining the care of maki-e brushes.
 
If you need assistance in choosing brushes, email us and we will make recommendations.