Umpei Fude Calligraphy Brush D with Gift Box, Hankeido

A hand-made, paper-wrapped calligraphy brush from Hankeido, a Kyoto workshop working since 1615; Brush D writes one bold line of kaisho or gyosho.

Brush D is a rolled brush from Hankeido, the Fujino family workshop behind Umpei Fude: black horse hair and deer hair are layered and bound in washi paper, then set in a wooden shaft. The result has a strong, springy body that holds its point. It is sized for writing a single line of characters on a han-giri sheet and is mainly suited to kaisho (regular script) and gyosho (semi-cursive script). Because the brush is forgiving yet precise, it serves beginners and advanced practitioners alike. It arrives in a gift box.

Specifications

• Brand: Umpei Fude by Hankeido (Kyoto, founded 1615)
• Model: Calligraphy brush D, with gift box
• Type: Paper-wrapped (rolled) calligraphy brush
• Use: One line of characters on a han-giri (half-cut) sheet
• Scripts: Mainly kaisho (regular) and gyosho (semi-cursive)
• Level: Beginners to advanced practitioners
• Materials: Washi paper, assorted woods, black horse hair, deer hair
• Made in: Japan
• Item number (MPN): UF-BRUSH-D

Features

• Paper-wrapped (rolled) brush, made by hand at Hankeido in Kyoto
• Black horse hair and deer hair for a firm, springy body
• Writes one line on a han-giri sheet
• Best for kaisho and gyosho scripts
• Presented in a gift box

Best for

Calligraphy students practicing regular and semi-cursive script, teachers, and experienced writers who want a reliable brush for bold single-line work. A memorable gift for anyone studying shodo. Pairs well with the Umpei Fude Calligraphy Brush E with Gift Box, Hankeido.

Who this is not for

• Fine small characters or letters: it is sized for one bold line on a han-giri sheet.
• Free cursive (sosho) work: Brush E or F are better all-rounders.
• Anyone looking for a quick, disposable brush: it is a hand-made tool that needs simple care.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led pieces since 2009, and Japanese craft objects like this one earn their place by being used every day. Umpei Fude brushes come from Hankeido, a workshop founded in Kyoto in 1615 and run by the Fujino family ever since. For more than 400 years it has made calligraphy brushes by hand, and it is one of the few workshops still keeping the rare paper-wrapped technique alive: the hair is bound with washi paper using methods that have changed little since the early Edo period.

Buy once: durability and care

After writing, rinse the bristles under clean running water, gently squeeze out the excess, reshape the tip and let the brush air-dry. Keep the wooden shaft dry.

Frequently asked questions

What size characters does Brush D write?

It is made for one line of characters on a han-giri sheet, the half-cut sheet common in calligraphy practice.

Which scripts suit Brush D?

Mainly kaisho (regular) and gyosho (semi-cursive) script.

What hair is Brush D made from?

Black horse hair and deer hair, wrapped in washi paper and set in a wooden shaft.

Is Brush D suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its strong body makes it easy to control, so it works for beginners through advanced practitioners.

How do I clean Brush D after use?

Rinse the hair under clean running water, squeeze out the excess gently, reshape the tip and air-dry; keep the wooden shaft dry.

Does Brush D come in a gift box?

Yes, it is presented in a gift box, ready to give.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, stylists and hospitality buyers can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Umpei Fude and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and help sourcing in quantity. Applying takes about three minutes, and our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.