It is believed that the Chinese bamboo and animal hair brush has been used for writing and painting since China’s earliest dynasties -- a time span of almost 5,000 years.

Its longevity may be linked to its versatility. The same brush can produce thin as well as thick lines, dry as well as wet looks. This is because the thick mid-section of the brush holds ink while the tapered tip remains dry and light. Depending on angle and pressure applied, lines can appear light or dark, strong or fine.

Chinese painters and calligraphers use a water-based black ink made from soot or charcoal mixed with glue. The ink paste is formed into cakes that harden as they dry. To use the ink, a painter grinds the ink sticks slowly with water.

The simple routine of grinding ink and arranging paper helped the painter prepare for painting by clearing his mind of all stray thoughts. Purity of thought was of utmost importance to Chinese painters. If an artist was about to paint a picture of bamboo for a friend, he focused only on those qualities of bamboo that most resembled his friend, and vice versa. Concentration combined with technique enabled the painter bring forth his ideas in the painting.

Working with ink alone allowed the artist to emphasize the texture of the brushstroke. The simplicity of ink and the lack of color let the eye notice subtleties of movement and tonality in the painting. Artists cultivated brushstrokes to represent their individual artistic style and personality.