For more than three centuries, Akashiya has preserved the art of brush making in Nara, the birthplace of Japan’s calligraphy brushes. The name “Akashiya Fude” combines the brand name with the word fude, meaning brush. Each Akashiya brush is a handcrafted masterpiece, shaped and perfected by skilled artisans using traditional techniques.
Akashiya, one of the oldest and most respected brush makers in Nara, has been perfecting Nara Fude since 1624, and was formally incorporated in 1912. Treasured worldwide by calligraphers and artists for their balance, responsiveness, and exceptional writing experience, these brushes were once reserved for monks, scholars, and aristocrats.
Kakuro Mizutani, the founder, began as a humble brush craftsman during the Edo period. Across centuries of social and political change, the Mizutani family preserved and refined this delicate art. Their brushes served the Imperial Household, which was, for a time, based in Nara, and were used to create ceremonial tools for the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji. By the early 20th century, Akashiya showcased Japanese craftsmanship internationally, sharing its artistry with the world.
Mastery Without Machines
Today, Akashiya Fude remains a small workshop of about fifty artisans, each dedicated to continuing the legacy of handmade brush making. Using traditional tools and centuries-old methods, they uphold a quiet devotion to precision, artistry, and the enduring spirit of Nara’s brush-making heritage
First, craftsmen perform kushinuki, combing raw hair to remove fine fibers. In the next step, kemomi, the hairs are gently warmed over charcoal and rubbed with deerskin to remove oils and straighten each strand. Finally, the hairs are sorted and aligned by hand, blending types and lengths to achieve an ideal balance of elasticity and ink flow.
This meticulous process cannot be replicated by machines. Each hair reacts differently depending on its origin, season, and even part of the animal, making every brush a unique work of art.
The Art and Legacy Behind Akashiya Brushes
Holding an Akashiya brush is a connection to centuries of artistry, craftsmanship, and tradition. Each brush reflects generations of skill and respect for materials, offering an experience that elevates writing, painting, or calligraphy. For calligraphers and artists an Akashiya brush is both a tool and a piece of living heritage.
Akashiya Fude Echizen-Nuri Black Calligraphy Set
The Akashiya Fude Echizen-Nuri Calligraphy Set is the perfect introduction to Japanese calligraphy, featuring our most popular design inspired by the famous Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga. These iconic caricatures, from four picture scrolls at Kōzan-ji Temple in Kyoto, are celebrated as Japan’s earliest work of manga.
Hand-painted using the traditional Echizen-Nuri lacquer technique, each black lacquer case is a miniature work of art. The intricate illustrations of animals and Japanese patterns make this set both visually stunning and culturally significant.
What’s inside:
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Fine Akashiya brush: for precise calligraphy and delicate strokes
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Ink stone: traditional stone surface for grinding sumi ink
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Premium sumi ink: rich, smooth black ink for calligraphy
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Water dropper: for controlling ink consistency
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Echizen-Nuri lacquer case: compact, durable, and hand-painted with exquisite designs
Akashiya Fude Echizen-Nuri Calligraphy Set – Rose (Large)
The Akashiya Fude Echizen-Nuri Calligraphy Set – Rose (Large) is a premium calligraphy set crafted for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Packed beautifully in the Echizen-Nuri lacquered case, this set offers all the essential tools for traditional Japanese calligraphy, providing a complete, ready-to-use experience for home practice or calligraphy classes.
Each component is made from high-quality materials to ensure durability, precision, and ease of use. The large and small brushes, heavy paperweight, and finely made ink stone combine to create a set that is both functional and luxurious.
What’s inside:
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Large brush (3-go Ichijo Shusui): for kaisho and gyosho style writing (4–6 character size)
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Small brush (Gyokuyo): for fine characters and letter writing
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Ink stone: traditional grinding surface for sumi ink
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Handmade sumi ink: rich, smooth black ink for calligraphy
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Ink liquid: convenient, ready-to-use ink
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Paperweight: stable support for your writing
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Water dropper: precise control of ink consistency
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Brush holder: keep brushes organized and protected
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Double-sided calligraphy mat: 4 and 6-line grids for versatile practice
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Echizen-Nuri lacquer case: beautifully crafted, durable, and compact
Akashiya Fude Maki-e Brush Pen
The Akashiya Fude Maki-e Brush Pen is a masterfully crafted instrument that combines centuries-old Japanese artistry with modern functionality. Featuring a dragon motif and delicate Mai Zakura cherry blossom designs, it is decorated using the traditional Maki-e technique, a Japanese lacquer art in which images, patterns, or lettering are painted with lacquer and then sprinkled with gold or silver powder. This pen is more than just a writing tool; every time you use it, you’re holding a piece of hand-painted art.
Made with natural bamboo and finished in exquisite Echizen lacquer, each pen carries the refined textures and heritage of over 1,500 years of Japanese lacquerware craftsmanship.
What’s inside:
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Hand-painted Maki-e pen: crafted using traditional Nara brush-making techniques
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Water-based pigment ink: fade-resistant and waterproof when dry, ideal for preserving work long-term
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Refill system: additional Ink cartridges for
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Beautiful presentation box: perfect for gifting or storing your pen safely
Akashiya Fude Natural Bamboo Brush Pen
We carry several different designs, each one crafted from natural bamboo that offers a unique texture and finish. The soft, handcrafted brush tip provides smooth, controlled strokes, making it ideal for calligraphy, lettering, or detailed illustrations. The water-based pigment ink is fade-resistant, ensuring your work remains vibrant for years. Each pen comes beautifully packaged in a paulownia wood box, ideal for gifting or personal use.
What’s inside:
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Bamboo brush pen: Soft and precise, perfect for detailed work and smooth writing
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Fade-resistant ink: Water-based pigment ink that preserves long-lasting vibrancy
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Paulownia wood box: Ideal for gifting or personal storage
To learn more about the meanings behind different Japanese symbols, read our blog Japanese Symbols for Your New Year’s Resolution.
The Enduring Legacy of Akashiya Fude
Akashiya Fude is more than a brand; it is a living tradition of Japanese artistry and craftsmanship. For over three centuries, the artisans of Nara have refined the art of brushmaking, preserving techniques that cannot be replicated by machines. Each piece embodies this heritage, carrying the skill, patience, and care of generations.
Owning an Akashiya brush or pen is an invitation to connect with this legacy. Every stroke reflects the harmony between material, hand, and mind, offering an experience that transcends ordinary writing.
