Umpei Fude Calligraphy Brush F with Gift Box, Hankeido

A hand-made paper-wrapped calligraphy brush from Hankeido in Kyoto (since 1615); Brush F writes one line on a han-giri sheet in any style.

Brush F is the friendly entry point to Umpei Fude. Hankeido, the Fujino family workshop in Kyoto, layers wool, horse hair and raccoon dog hair, wraps them in washi paper and sets them in a wooden shaft, just as it has made brushes since the early Edo period. It writes one line of characters on a han-giri sheet and handles every calligraphy style, and it is made for beginners and intermediate practitioners. It comes in a gift box.

Specifications

• Brand: Umpei Fude by Hankeido (Kyoto, founded 1615)
• Model: Calligraphy brush F, with gift box
• Type: Paper-wrapped (rolled) calligraphy brush
• Use: One line of characters on a han-giri (half-cut) sheet
• Scripts: All calligraphy styles
• Level: Beginners to intermediate practitioners
• Materials: Washi paper, assorted woods, wool, horse hair, raccoon dog hair
• Made in: Japan
• Item number (MPN): UF-BRUSH-F

Features

• Hand-made paper-wrapped brush from Hankeido, Kyoto
• Wool, horse hair and raccoon dog hair
• Writes one line on a han-giri sheet
• All calligraphy styles
• For beginner to intermediate writers; gift box

Best for

Students in their first years of shodo, adults taking up calligraphy, and gift-givers looking for an authentic Japanese brush with a story. Pairs well with the Umpei Fude Calligraphy Brush D with Gift Box, Hankeido.

Who this is not for

• Advanced specialists who want a brush tuned to one script: Brush D or E may suit better.
• Small kana or letter writing.
• Anyone who will not rinse and dry a natural-hair brush after use.

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

Who is Brush F made for?

Beginners and intermediate practitioners.

How large does Brush F write?

One line of characters on a han-giri sheet.

Which scripts can I write with Brush F?

All calligraphy styles.

What hair is used in Brush F?

Wool, horse hair and raccoon dog hair, wrapped in washi and set in a wooden shaft.

How should I wash Brush F?

Rinse under clean running water, squeeze gently, reshape and air-dry, keeping the shaft dry.

Is Brush F a good gift for a calligraphy student? (our advice)

Yes: it comes in a gift box and suits learners in their first years.

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.