You will find the following topics in this article:

• Types of Brushes Based on Hair Firmness
• Brushes for Beginners
• Choose brushes according to the script of calligraphy
• Choose brushes according to the type of painting
• Choose brushes for children

Types of Brushes Based on Hair Firmness

From Firmest to Softest:

Badger Hair ≈ Horse Hair > Weasel Hair ≈ Hare Hair > Mixed Hair > Goat Hair > Chicken Hair

Other tips: 

Although hare hair and weasel hair have similar hardness, hare hair is more elastic than weasel hair.

Chicken hair is extremely soft.

The firmer the hair, the less it holds ink; the softer the hair, the less elasticity it has.

For Beginners:

Beginners are not advised to use long-tipped brushes for writing.

Mixed hair brushes can be used for writing any script.
If you're unsure what to buy, just go for a mixed hair brush :)

Best for absolute beginners, we recommend these two:

加健大白云-王一品 Brush, Extra strength, Large, 'White Cloud', mixed hair

加健中白云-王一品 Brush, Extra strength, Medium, 'White Cloud', mixed hair

If you already have calligraphy experience, choose a brush that suits your personal writing style.

Choose brushes according to the script of calligraphy 

• 楷书regular script：Basically all types, for absolute beginners, we will recommend mixed hair
  
• 行书running script：mixed hair
  
  
• 隶书clerical script：mixed hair
  
  
• 草书cursive script：Basically all types; If you prefer smoother, rounder lines/strokes, go for a goat hair brush; If you like more defined and bold strokes, then a weasel hair or hare hair brush would suit you better.
  
  
• 行草semi-cursive：Long-tipped goat hair, mixed hair, or hare hair is the best
  
  
• 篆书seal script：Mixed hair is the best for beginners; If you already have some experience, we recommend trying weasel hair or hare hair brushes -these types produce crisper, cleaner strokes, which are great for more advanced techniques; We don’t recommend using goat hair for writing seal script.
  
  
• 瘦金slender-gold script/ script style invented by Emperor Huizong of Song: Long-tipped, fine weasel hair or hare hair; Tip Length: Around 38–45 mm; Handle Thickness (at the base of the hair): About 6 mm in diameter

Choose brushes according to the type of painting:

1. Line Drawing (线描画)

Features: Suitable for clean, delicate contours and detailed outlines

Recommended Brushes: Outlining brush (勾线笔), linework brush (线描笔)

Hair Type: Primarily weasel hair – firm, springy, and ideal for fine, controlled lines

2. Gongbi Painting (工笔画 – Meticulous Style)

Features: Emphasises precision, smooth tonal transitions, and refined structure

• For Outlining & Detailing:
  • Use weasel hair brushes such as outlining or linework brushes
• For Shading & Colouring, you will need two brushes:
  • One for use as a clear-water brush (清水笔) made of goat hair – used for water blending and subtle gradations
  • The other one for use as a colour-filling brush (填色笔) also made of goat hair – ideal for layered, even colour application

3. Freehand Style Painting (写意画 – Expressive Style)

Features: Focuses on spontaneity and artistic flair; brush selection depends on the artist’s own style

Recommended Brushes: No strict rules — the brush choice is personal and based on expressive needs

For Beginners: Mixed hair brushes (兼毫) are recommended, offering a balanced feel that’s easier to control

Choose brushes for children

In theory, any Chinese brush can be used for children learning calligraphy or painting. You may choose a brush based on the characteristics listed above, depending on whether the child is learning calligraphy or traditional painting.

However, if you wish to consider size suitability, we recommend selecting brushes with brush tip length between 25–30 mm.

These dimensions are generally more comfortable for children to hold and control, especially during longer practice sessions.

Content Usage Notice
These guidance articles are based on the expertise of our teachers, our personal experience, and the specific qualities of the materials we stock. They are created solely for the benefit of our customers, to support their understanding of traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, and how to choose the right art supplies.
All content is original and protected by copyright. It may not be copied, reproduced, shared, or used—whether in part or in full—for any commercial purpose, including sales, marketing, or publication, without our express written permission.
Thank you for respecting the care and knowledge that go into creating these resources.