The Best Japanese Calligraphy pens

In the world of fine handwriting, Japanese calligraphy stands out as an epitome of beauty, precision, and sophistication. In movies, people would use long brushes to create beautiful works of art using calligraphy. Nowadays, a Japanese calligraphy pen is all that is needed to make that beautiful artwork.

In the world of calligraphy, one of the essential tools is the Japanese calligraphy pen because most of them are handmade by experts who use the highest quality materials. Of course, that means that some of these brushes are not the cheapest. The ones made by Hata Bunshindou can cost over $1000, but there are cheaper ones.

In this article, we will dive into the captivating world of Japanese calligraphy pens, exploring their history, design, and the unique qualities that make them beloved by calligraphers worldwide.

Short History of Japanese Calligraphy

Japanese calligraphy, also known as Shodo, traces its origins back to ancient China and has been practiced and refined in Japan for over 3000 years. Shodo is using a brush and ink to skillfully draw inked lines and characters onto paper. Back then, it took hours to grind the fine powder to make ink, and paper was scarce, so people had to get it in one shot. Throughout history, master calligraphers have dedicated their lives to honing their skills, and the art form itself continues to be highly regarded across cultures. 

Japanese calligraphy pens were typically made from natural materials. The brush consists of bristles made from animal hair, such as horse, weasel, or goat. These bristles are skillfully bound together with thread and attached to a shaft or handle made from bamboo, wood, or other materials. Craftsmen had to check each hair of the brush to make sure that a thick strand didn’t get used. This is because the length and thickness of the brush, as well as the quality of the bristles, can greatly affect the brush strokes' appearance.

Modern Variation of Japanese Calligraphy Pens

While traditional Japanese calligraphy pens hold immense value and are loved by enthusiasts, modern innovations have also made their way into the market. Some calligraphy pens now have refillable ink cartridges, allowing for convenient use without an inkwell. These pens often incorporate materials such as plastic or metal for the handle.

Characteristics of Japanese calligraphy pens

Brush Tip Type

One of the defining features of Japanese calligraphy pens is the brush tip or Fude. Unlike conventional pens, which use a nib, Fude pens are bristles made from animal hair, synthetic materials, or felt. The selection of brush materials is very important and can determine whether the brush would be cheap or expensive. The Felt tip is like that of a marker, and it is easier to control, so it is good for beginners.

Tip Firmness

Obviously, tips made with animal hair will be softer than felt tips. The material used to make the brush would determine how firm the tip would be. However, softer tips are used by masters only because any subtle movement of the hands will show on paper. As a beginner, go for the firmer felt tips.

Ink Flow and Control

The flow of ink from the pen is crucial for achieving smooth and consistent brush strokes. some pens have wet flow, and others are dryer. Only experts can handle a runny pen because it is not easy to control. Look for a calligraphy pen that provides good ink flow control, preventing excessive ink leakage or drying out. It should allow you to maintain control over the saturation of the brush tip.

Best Japanese Calligraphy Pens For Beginners

Pilot Parallel Pen

This pen is known as the breakthrough in calligraphy pen technology because it uses a steel blade nib that can create varying thicknesses when used at an angle. There’s no brush or felt tip, so it may be strange for experts, but the Pilot Parallel Pen is an excellent choice for beginners due to its innovative design and user-friendly features. This also pen creates consistent lines of varying widths effortlessly, making it ideal for learning different calligraphy styles. 

Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen

The Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen is a popular choice among beginners for its simplicity and versatility. Its synthetic bristles mimic the feel of traditional brush pens, and it is springy as it retains its shape after each stroke. The pen is portable, and its rich black ink is a bit faint, but it is fade-resistant, so it’s worth trying. Its size and durability make it an excellent companion for beginners exploring calligraphy both at home and on the move.

Kuretake Fudegokochi Brush Pen

This Fude brush pen is popular for its ease of use and affordability, retailing for just over $5 per pen, making it an excellent option for beginners. Its synthetic brush tip provides a good balance between flexibility and control, allowing you to practice various brush techniques with confidence. The pen also produces dark bold lines that can be used for some beautiful calligraphy. The only downside is that this pen is not waterproof, so be careful where you draw because it can be wiped clean with a little bit of water. 

Sakura Pigma Calligrapher Pen

The Sakura Pigma Calligrapher Pen is a reliable and durable choice for beginners. Its felt-tip design offers consistent ink flow and crisp lines, making it suitable for both small and large-scale calligraphy projects. It has 3 nib sizes ranging from small to larger nib, and it also comes in 6 different colors. Also, it is water-proof and fade-resistant.

Tombow Dual Brush Pens

This pen has two tips- the flexible brush tip and the fine firm tip. While the pen is great for calligraphy, it is even better for coloring and painting. You can switch tips as you wish, and if you’re tired of the plain black colors other companies use for calligraphy pen offerings, the Tombow Dual brush pens have 108 colors so there’s a lot to choose from. It is perfect for beginners, but it is not water resistant because the ink is water-based, but with a price of approximately $4, it’s a steal.

In conclusion, Japanese calligraphy pens are more than just writing instruments; they are true works of art that transcend time and space. 

Have you been looking to buy some high-quality Japanese Pens? You can check out our ZenPop stationery store for the best deals from Japan. 

This article was originally written by our freelance writer Umm-Kulthum Abdulkareem and edited by us.