Kumano-fude

Calligraphy and cosmetic brushes from Hiroshima, 80% of Japan's brush production.

Kumano-fude are handcrafted brushes from Kumano, Hiroshima Prefecture, which produces approximately 80% of all calligraphy and painting brushes made in Japan. The tradition began in the late Edo period when farmers returning from seasonal work in Nara and Osaka brought brush-making skills home. Each brush is assembled by hand from carefully selected natural hairs — including goat, horse, deer, and weasel — using a process of over 70 steps. In recent decades, Kumano has also become renowned for producing premium makeup brushes sought after worldwide.