About Kumano Fude
Kumano Fude are calligraphy brushes and makeup brushes produced in Kumano Town, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture. Around the Tenpo era (1830-44) at the end of the Edo period, farmers began itinerant brush selling as a side business, acquiring techniques from Nara and Arima to form the production area. Currently the largest brush production area in Japan, accounting for approximately 80% of domestic production of calligraphy brushes, Western brushes, and makeup brushes. The high-quality hair selection and tassel-making techniques are highly regarded by cosmetics brands worldwide, with exports to Europe and China.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
Materials
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 熊野筆振興会 hands-on experience