Why Japanese Calligraphy Brushes Are So Expensive | So Expensive

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  • čas přidán 8. 10. 2021
  • A handmade calligraphy brush, custom made for a master calligrapher, can cost over $1,000. At Hata Bunshindou each brush tip is made by a single artisan. It's a delicate process that can take over a month to complete. But you can find a beginner calligraphy brush for less than $15. So what makes these brushes unique? And why are they so expensive?
    You can learn more about Yoshiyuki Hata's workshop here: bunshindou.com/en/
    And to see more of Daizo Kaneko's calligraphy: www.kanekodaizo.com
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    Why Japanese Calligraphy Brushes Are So Expensive
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Komentáře • 3,1K

  • @keh1396
    @keh1396 Před 2 lety +11644

    I love how all these Japanese stories are almost the same and show the same quality. Patience and humility. They spend decades learning a craft and still find the urge to learn more.

    • @jessechen2013
      @jessechen2013 Před 2 lety +81

      ...Japan only had Calligraphy, language, pen...etc after they visited China during Tang dynasty. All these skills were later educated in Japan by a Chinese Monk Jianzhen. I'm totally fine with western media praise Japan, but it seems like it is also trying to remove the culture from China and label it as 'Japan'.

    • @kys4s4c
      @kys4s4c Před 2 lety +374

      @@jessechen2013 No one is trying to do that it's your own insecurity speaking

    • @abcdtemp
      @abcdtemp Před 2 lety +32

      @@kys4s4c yes

    • @nag0074
      @nag0074 Před 2 lety +56

      @@jessechen2013 you are just insecure

    • @AbdulAziz-fg7mr
      @AbdulAziz-fg7mr Před 2 lety +116

      @@jessechen2013 you can't take credit from their own hard work

  • @aenirrinea523
    @aenirrinea523 Před 2 lety +5091

    "It's about making a brush that suits each person."
    Imagine having a shop ala Ollivander Wands but for brushes.

    • @ismaeelmahmood7259
      @ismaeelmahmood7259 Před 2 lety +73

      @@likemyice3710 not necessarily, 1.3k is far from the budget of 'only rich people'. Tho I admit you have to be very dedicated to what you do to pay that amount.

    • @ismaeelmahmood7259
      @ismaeelmahmood7259 Před 2 lety +34

      @Joe Marley how does that undermine anything i said in my last comment?

    • @OfficialTigerino
      @OfficialTigerino Před 2 lety +13

      imagine of your old customer goes on to be a mass murder

    • @maxhg2056
      @maxhg2056 Před 2 lety +6

      @@ismaeelmahmood7259 for professionals and for rich persons who want to prepare presents for professionals.

    • @whoopshey826
      @whoopshey826 Před 2 lety +13

      That shit made my stomach weak at imagining how much money I'd drop for MY pen. That chose ME. Instead of buying all these ones only to go back to one I've liked since 2nd grade I got at a grocery store.

  • @christieintexas
    @christieintexas Před 2 lety +523

    He makes his craft look so easy yet, it's truly labour intensive. It's a pleasure to watch their talents being passed down generation to generation yet, the quality still remains amazing. No corners are cut, it's just pure talent and passion.

    • @jetpower6601
      @jetpower6601 Před 2 lety +6

      @@paddor Well to be fair, alot of time is poured into every individual brush. Not only that but doing the same thing for decades and simply refining your craft, it wears on the mind. Plus the business side, like they said, sourcing and selling it a problem. The entire business is larborous.

  • @sisirkattempudi7155
    @sisirkattempudi7155 Před rokem +83

    About the broken lines:
    I have just had the opportunity to speak to a professional Japanese Calligrapher. She told me that in the advanced levels of Japanese Calligraphy, the emphasis is on conveying the meaning of the letter or word through the way it's written, kind of like Abstract Paintings, rather than producing a perfect looking letter. In the beginning phases, you are expected to write without broken lines but later you can break the rules to convey more meaning.

    • @usokkithetree8738
      @usokkithetree8738 Před 11 měsíci +2

      Which is just another way of saying they weren’t doing it right.

  • @dannyzero692
    @dannyzero692 Před 2 lety +11963

    "Why are your things so expensive."
    Japan: Quality
    France: cause it's French

    • @user-aaa371
      @user-aaa371 Před 2 lety +207

      Y e s

    • @4shimaru777
      @4shimaru777 Před 2 lety +282

      @@user-aaa371 oui

    • @4f52
      @4f52 Před 2 lety +469

      Expensive thing: 😡
      Expensive thing, Japan: 😱😍 😫🍆✊💦

    • @xxxxxx5868
      @xxxxxx5868 Před 2 lety +269

      @@4f52 Fr, mfs nowadays think everything quality is from Japan

    • @mrfish.-
      @mrfish.- Před 2 lety +252

      @@4f52 the amount of emojis you used is shameful.

  • @dzdz6421
    @dzdz6421 Před 2 lety +6268

    Seeing how delicate the process is those brushes are definitely expensive.

    • @rockycycle2682
      @rockycycle2682 Před 2 lety +3

      They just mentioned each costs around 13000 usd

    • @KolRevon
      @KolRevon Před 2 lety +32

      @@rockycycle2682 No. They said 13 hundered dollars = 1300$

    • @rodo8603
      @rodo8603 Před 2 lety +4

      other than the brush itself, the next shocking thing is that he’s 70

    • @felicitystiggitystone7018
      @felicitystiggitystone7018 Před 2 lety +8

      @Ro do someone literally just said that in the comment above this one

    • @jesusislord6545
      @jesusislord6545 Před 2 lety +1

      Repent to Jesus Christ!!’
      “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
      ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

  • @johnbobbitt6470
    @johnbobbitt6470 Před 2 lety +86

    i find myself becoming emotional watching this. I’m a third generation American calligrapher and photorealistic artist, and some of my earliest memories are with my grandmother, learning the form of my letters. As an adult, I take great pride in each one, as it represents her and my family. When in daily life I hand someone a list, I’m incredibly proud when they freeze and ask if I’m the one who wrote something so beautiful.
    Each mistake is by itself heartbreaking and a failure. I’ve spent weeks on a project just to slip and ruin a piece in such a way that no one else will notice, but that she would spot from across the room on a cloudy day. Yes, the brush matters. Yes, the ink matters. And i’m very touched that somewhere in the world exists those who would spend just as much time and effort to provide me with the materials I need to make my family proud.

  • @ryans6016
    @ryans6016 Před 2 lety +2330

    Master brushmaker: “You don’t want the brush to produce broken lines.”
    Master calligrapher: *Proceeds to make nothing but broken lines*

    • @Tanya-du2cw
      @Tanya-du2cw Před 2 lety +73

      😂 exactly!

    • @immortalized_onion
      @immortalized_onion Před 2 lety +347

      His point probably got lost in the translation, and we probably don't know what he would've meant either way.

    • @jacklinks6097
      @jacklinks6097 Před 2 lety +16

      First thing I noticed.

    • @eye1dry138
      @eye1dry138 Před 2 lety +34

      Yeah its all bs

    • @joshyingling
      @joshyingling Před 2 lety +49

      @@eye1dry138 lots of bs not sure if it’s all bs. I look at the master calligrapher and the lines looked like he should have gotten more ink on several occasions

  • @blackdog6345
    @blackdog6345 Před 2 lety +3558

    HE'S 70? Damn he looks about 40, I hope I look that good when I get to that age.

    • @arcturionblade1077
      @arcturionblade1077 Před 2 lety +187

      That was my first thought. He looks like middle aged, not an elderly gentleman!

    • @sabreeemneely
      @sabreeemneely Před 2 lety +149

      Rice. Instead of hamburgers might be a reason.

    • @brandnewayurveda1835
      @brandnewayurveda1835 Před 2 lety +65

      My first impression was that only.... Reason is Vinegar , Kanji , And Sour ingredients in diet along with light watery ingredients like greens and Rice. Everything helps to improve lymphatics and blood which eventually improves skin texture... Hope I will look that young too... It's my dream.

    • @sabreeemneely
      @sabreeemneely Před 2 lety +3

      @@brandnewayurveda1835 Yeah my point is they rarely eat cheese. I can expound but I think people get what I'm saying.

    • @AzmiMaulanaHamdani
      @AzmiMaulanaHamdani Před 2 lety +31

      Asian don't look like their age so yeah it's pretty common

  • @redachija2976
    @redachija2976 Před 2 lety +6783

    Did calligraphy when I was in high school. It was a required but minor part of a subject. I found it tedious but everyone had praised me for my calligraphy skills and I've even joined a few contests for it (never won though). And I must say, the quality of calligraphy brushes makes a HUGE difference. In my experience, no matter how "good" I was, if my brush was trash, my result would be trash. My mom invested in a good quality calligraphy brush because she believes that if one is spending money, might as well go for quality, and it made such a huge difference for my amateur skills.

    • @infallibleblue
      @infallibleblue Před 2 lety +92

      I hope you can get one of these brushes.

    • @GodzHarleyGirlStudio
      @GodzHarleyGirlStudio Před 2 lety +37

      @@infallibleblue I'd like to know where to get one.

    • @samuraiboi2735
      @samuraiboi2735 Před 2 lety +91

      I think my dad has one of this caligraphy brushes.Well i never knew it was a caligraphy brush until quite recent.I once used to use the caligraphy brush as a paint brush and just do painting until i figure out its true worth

    • @thejadedcommenter7371
      @thejadedcommenter7371 Před 2 lety +174

      Exactly. The only people that say “an artist never blames their tools” are non-artists that have never actually tried to make good-quality work with poor-quality tools.

    • @HAIRHOLIC_1
      @HAIRHOLIC_1 Před 2 lety +63

      It’s the same for make up brushes, if they are trash, made with cheap materials, all your pores and fine lines will show, but it the brushes are good but the make up is trash you can still achieve great work, I’ve even contemplated using good quality painting brushes for make up.

  • @williamfalck4882
    @williamfalck4882 Před 2 lety +166

    As a silversmith I can clearly see why they want high end tools with precision. I sometimes use tools of 0.1mm to create symbols and runes etc.
    Really admire people who create quality.

    • @Pirates.27
      @Pirates.27 Před rokem +1

      Wow runes? I would love to see your work.

  • @moritzrossbroich
    @moritzrossbroich Před 2 lety +22

    I have so much respect for those traditional, highly skilled craftsmen

  • @uchihasasuke224
    @uchihasasuke224 Před 2 lety +15256

    other than the brush itself, the next shocking thing is that *he’s 70*

    • @Duanhai92
      @Duanhai92 Před 2 lety +1651

      He looks 50, it’s like he stopped aging when he started this craft.

    • @marcowulliampopirers2216
      @marcowulliampopirers2216 Před 2 lety +255

      @Areave Yusof u sure? where i live most 50yo look far worse than him

    • @notthecutestanimal8849
      @notthecutestanimal8849 Před 2 lety +498

      @@marcowulliampopirers2216 fr. man looks better than half of the 40-some-odd year olds i’ve met

    • @_Super_Hans_
      @_Super_Hans_ Před 2 lety +173

      Of course he's aged well he's making $1000 a pop selling paintbrushes it's hardly a stressful existence is it

    • @ypob2007
      @ypob2007 Před 2 lety +209

      @@notthecutestanimal8849 40? He looks better than my 21 Y.O. sister

  • @lamdao1242
    @lamdao1242 Před 2 lety +1809

    Whenever I visit Japan, I notice it’s cultural emphasis on Craftmanship. It is a culture which truly honours the craft and its expert.

    • @rodo8603
      @rodo8603 Před 2 lety +9

      other than the brush itself, the next shocking thing is that he’s 70

    • @dragon12234
      @dragon12234 Před 2 lety +41

      Iirc a large part of it comes from that historically Japan never had much in the way of natural resources, relative to other places, so they had to maximise what they got

    • @mosasako4679
      @mosasako4679 Před 2 lety +2

      It really has so much in common with germany.

    • @nasserazizi9567
      @nasserazizi9567 Před 2 lety

      Katana sword joined the chat

    • @ggraverobber
      @ggraverobber Před 2 lety +6

      @@mosasako4679 Really? To me it seems Germans have long abandoned their love for culture, heritage and even their own people.

  • @RejectedInch
    @RejectedInch Před 2 lety +129

    This reminds me my very Western brushes, that i bought when i was a studdent at the art school. I had 2 sets: 1, "cheap" ( high quality synthetic), for mixing colors and trace rough lines of a drawing. Another set for the final work and fine details made with natural hair. Each brush costed around 20-60Euro apiece, in moden money. I have finished the art school 30 years ago and both my sets are perfectly functional, although the synthetic set has lost a lot in terms of shape and flexibility, the natural hair brushes still perfect like the first day.

  • @andyzhang7890
    @andyzhang7890 Před 2 lety +31

    Every time I watch one of these one of these videos, my mind gets blown yet again at the dedication artisans in Japan have for their craft. In the most flattering way possible, it’s absolutely insane

  • @infallibleblue
    @infallibleblue Před 2 lety +2248

    Simply stunning. As much as technology has advanced, human determination and dedication always amazes me.

    • @himanshidiwan8603
      @himanshidiwan8603 Před 2 lety +3

      Same

    • @kurtotoyarivasplata3738
      @kurtotoyarivasplata3738 Před 2 lety +18

      Isnt technology advancing because of humans?

    • @brettjc0483
      @brettjc0483 Před 2 lety +6

      @@kurtotoyarivasplata3738 yes, but the advancement of technology has made many industries automated and computer-assisted.

    • @kurtotoyarivasplata3738
      @kurtotoyarivasplata3738 Před 2 lety +1

      @@brettjc0483 ok i guess

    • @rodo8603
      @rodo8603 Před 2 lety

      other than the brush itself, the next shocking thing is that he’s 70

  • @KC-nr3ou
    @KC-nr3ou Před 2 lety +746

    Whoever you are, you are one of the best narrators I’ve ever heard. Hundreds of audiobooks included. You should think about doing that if you aren’t already.

    • @ronniedarko2536
      @ronniedarko2536 Před 2 lety +55

      Her name is Ligma.

    • @ShreeyaShukla
      @ShreeyaShukla Před 2 lety +4

      She definitely doesn't know that the plural for hair is "hair" and not "hairs"

    • @sage5932
      @sage5932 Před 2 lety +226

      ​@@ShreeyaShukla You're wrong. When talking about strands of hair, the plural is hairs. You can literally google this in 2 seconds

    • @takvacs
      @takvacs Před 2 lety +115

      @@ShreeyaShukla Oooh. You tried.

    • @Mark-dy9pc
      @Mark-dy9pc Před 2 lety +23

      @@takvacs 🤣savage

  • @user-yx7dp2pl8t
    @user-yx7dp2pl8t Před 2 lety +5

    I love that he poured his passion into a brush for over 20 years, something that will be passed on for generations.

  • @aloistrancy.
    @aloistrancy. Před 2 lety +8

    This is one of the reasons that my favorite sketching pencil is japanese made, The quality is unrivaled.

  • @anoopkr508
    @anoopkr508 Před 2 lety +2030

    Guess japanese people take 20 years for perfection in their way. Have seen many videos after subscribing this channel. But amazed to know that why everyone take that much time !!!!!!!

    • @wph3417
      @wph3417 Před 2 lety +43

      Rome wasn't built in a day, everything takes time ♡

    • @GrimYak
      @GrimYak Před 2 lety +45

      TBH i think some of it is over stated. Everything in japan takes years to master for some crafts maybe but some is just plain BS. I saw an episode ones that said grilling an eel takes years to master which is purely BS.

    • @stickman9845
      @stickman9845 Před 2 lety +3

      @@GrimYak ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )...
      Have a good day 👋

    • @luvella9795
      @luvella9795 Před 2 lety +10

      @@GrimYak the weaboos are crying

    • @darrinpennington
      @darrinpennington Před 2 lety +5

      It's said figuratively. It's taken him 20 yrs to make a brush of this quality.

  • @funklestiltskin6140
    @funklestiltskin6140 Před 2 lety +1767

    As someone who sells both low and high quality brushes and knows a bit about what goes into them, the idea of such quality makers being forced to combine synthetic and natural hair due to lack of supply breaks my heart. That would massively and quite noticeably reduce the quality and absorption of a precision specialty brush like that. Not that synthetic hair doesn’t have a place in larger scale art mediums mind you but for something like calligraphy you NEED natural hair, and good quality natural hair as well.

    • @Genevieve1023
      @Genevieve1023 Před 2 lety +61

      I don't even like the effects I get with synthetic hair, and all I'm doing is my makeup, let alone an art piece.

    • @walshy2116
      @walshy2116 Před 2 lety +24

      Why because the black scribbles won’t look scribbley enough? It’s
      Just black ink and if a guy made a mistake no one would even know it. Those prices are stupid period.

    • @boomerhgt
      @boomerhgt Před 2 lety +4

      That breaks your heart you need to get out more

    • @ebc6970
      @ebc6970 Před 2 lety +100

      Some of these replies are so ignorant and just plain stupid

    • @Genevieve1023
      @Genevieve1023 Před 2 lety +130

      @@walshy2116 Do you know anything about Japanese calligraphy? What is it supposed to look like? Can you even read the lettering?

  • @lolhelp6170
    @lolhelp6170 Před 2 lety +39

    " I started when I was fifty now I am seventy"
    Holy shit I would have yeeted the brush out of the window after the two week mark. Kudos to his patience man.

    • @user-gu9yq5sj7c
      @user-gu9yq5sj7c Před rokem

      Wasn't he talking about how long he was in this career?

  • @JorryGT
    @JorryGT Před 2 lety +9

    I don't think there's anything like Japanese perfection. Huge respect to the devotion, dedication, focus and tradition of this amazing nation.

    • @user-gu9yq5sj7c
      @user-gu9yq5sj7c Před rokem +2

      I've seen videos of great craftmen and artists and brands around the world.

  • @sidehop
    @sidehop Před 2 lety +219

    In Japan, having beautiful handwriting is really appreciated but also can be stressed as an important aspect of who you are. I learned calligraphy as a kindergarten in Japan. It taught me patience and appreciating the art of writing each letter properly and beautifully. Making the actual ink from a hard charcoal rubbed inside a small bowl of water some was hard work. It's definitely engrained in the culture learning how to make traditional Japanese tea, wearing a kimono that takes hours, and everything they do have this intimate process. I also want to say these videos are done beautifully 😊

    • @rodo8603
      @rodo8603 Před 2 lety +1

      other than the brush itself, the next shocking thing is that he’s 70

    • @sidehop
      @sidehop Před 2 lety +2

      @@rodo8603 I know right? He looks damn good for his age 👍

    • @msDanielp369
      @msDanielp369 Před 2 lety +1

      Had me just read how Japanese really appreciate as part of the culture, craftsmanship, and now this...
      ohhhh.... I'm definitely going to Japan!!
      Like your personal handwriting...
      Intimate lifestyle of what you said about the kimono.
      Remembering some Japanese beautiful garden with some copperly oxidized bell- yes yes the beautiful patterns and cyan-teal color mmmm.
      (btw what did you use for binder, when your ink. hide glue? or some quirky Japanese thing like some rare fungus that does something biologically or what.)

    • @Hex-kt2vr
      @Hex-kt2vr Před 2 lety

      I think the word is Graphology - your handwriting is an extention of many things you don't say, but is said for you.

    • @Kashboy1809
      @Kashboy1809 Před 2 lety

      That's true for everywhere though. We were taught writing English in cursive and Arabic letter writing and some calligraphy in school. Arabic Calligraphy requires ultimate level of patience and you have to follow rules.

  • @alexbroere2669
    @alexbroere2669 Před 2 lety +637

    I love how these Japanse craftsmen can spend years on something and still say they're just beginning. They haven't mastered the craft. Watched another video on a pair of scissors. From Japan just amazing how a bonsai tree specialist can talk hours about the way the scissors should cut. We cannot imagine how this is. Truly amazing people.

    • @infallibleblue
      @infallibleblue Před 2 lety +82

      @Spin Lockyou sound miserable. However, I hope someday you will be gifted something special and of high quality. I hope you will enjoy your gift because you are just as worthy of time and attention.

    • @gishman2
      @gishman2 Před 2 lety +4

      They say that about everything to give it more mystique

    • @hernaniCH
      @hernaniCH Před 2 lety +27

      @Spin Lock I think you need to reassess your life

    • @lucaskp16
      @lucaskp16 Před 2 lety +21

      @Spin Lock dude you sound like you are lifeless. Yes mas production of everything makesblife easier but everyone with anough disposavle income will want a high end handmade something at some point.
      Whatever is clothes, shoes, a hat, a knife, a clock. And for everyone else that dont want that it may look like a waste but are usually the posesions people think most fondly of.

    • @Rai_S82
      @Rai_S82 Před 2 lety +30

      @Spin Lock That orrrr.... maybe they are just raised with a different outlook on what perfection is, taught that quick doesn't mean better, and are always striving to achieve greatness??
      Sounds like maybe you haven't found your thing yet 😏

  • @jennylawson1980
    @jennylawson1980 Před 2 lety +3

    I have watched many artisans and craftsmen over the years but the highest level of respect belongs to the masters such as this. I understand ink brushes but not as well as my watercolor brushes, every creator, every artist has a unique way of expression in their work and requires different brushes none are exactly alike. Honor and respect for these masters of such a detailed and difficult skill to master properly.

  • @poisoncobra8435
    @poisoncobra8435 Před rokem +2

    Incredible job! I hope the art of brush making, and all authentic creative ways of making things stays alive! Knowing how to make these brushes, intricate candles, cloth weaving, amazing! 😆

  • @evanchapmanfanman
    @evanchapmanfanman Před 2 lety +627

    I have a very high level of respect for Japanese craftsmanship, the fact that they put their soul into their work even for something such as a brush really commands admiration.

    • @flvffette
      @flvffette Před 2 lety +8

      "even for"

    • @rodo8603
      @rodo8603 Před 2 lety +2

      other than the brush itself, the next shocking thing is that he’s 70

    • @shred9178
      @shred9178 Před 2 lety +7

      indeed Japanese people are really dedicated to their works.. they work harder than anybody else in this world.. imo..

    • @nom6758
      @nom6758 Před 2 lety +6

      @@shred9178 More like their bosses work them harder than anyone in the world, thats why the suicide rate is so high for japanese businessmen. Everything is one side of a coin, and theres always a downside somewhere you ignore, willfully or not.

    • @BeachBoi1000
      @BeachBoi1000 Před 2 lety +1

      I hope that stays. People will usually go for Low cost till it destroys quality

  • @littlefire9526
    @littlefire9526 Před 2 lety +913

    5 years old me would just use my sister's Barbie doll hair to paint.

  • @mrcat3493
    @mrcat3493 Před rokem

    I love the tradition and the pure craftsmanship of the Japanese artisan videos. Keep them coming.

  • @roderickmurchison1451
    @roderickmurchison1451 Před 2 lety +4

    Very informative documentary. I enjoyed the total peace and focus of both the brush maker and his son and also of the dedication and artistry of the calligrapher.

  • @andrewbeckett1727
    @andrewbeckett1727 Před 2 lety +1538

    literally anything made in japan
    " it takes 60 years to master , you have to start training from when you are born and everything costs over 1000 bucks "

    • @maxmaxneolit
      @maxmaxneolit Před 2 lety +221

      And as a final exam, you have to kill your master and give him an honorable out.

    • @mehtadeepika78
      @mehtadeepika78 Před 2 lety +10

      True.

    • @wiiretime3704
      @wiiretime3704 Před 2 lety +5

      He started when he was 50 he says it in the beginning

    • @sabreeemneely
      @sabreeemneely Před 2 lety +56

      @@wiiretime3704 Professionaly, narrator said he started as a teenager.

    • @saistylead2992
      @saistylead2992 Před 2 lety +97

      @@wiiretime3704 he started that particular brush when he was 50 and it took 20 years to finish is what he said I think

  • @sidneyvandykeii3169
    @sidneyvandykeii3169 Před 2 lety +387

    These are true craftsmen. There are less and less true craftsmen in industrialized countries nowadays because demand is very low so the prices need to be quite high. From cabinet makers to brush makers, true craftsman are hard to find but, when you find them you better be able to pay.

    • @Tokito935
      @Tokito935 Před 2 lety +2

      Macaronni cheese balls

    • @rodo8603
      @rodo8603 Před 2 lety

      other than the brush itself, the next shocking thing is that he’s 70

    • @skankhunt-wy9wy
      @skankhunt-wy9wy Před 2 lety

      Or pay less for literally the same shit 🤣
      There's a good reason why these "true craftsmen" are dying out

    • @user-gu9yq5sj7c
      @user-gu9yq5sj7c Před rokem

      @@skankhunt-wy9wy I think some of this stuff is too expensive but some craftmen do that talent or higher quality. Especially for intricate work or art. It'll take a lot of work and money to get people to program a machine to do intricate work and build the machine too. But maybe it can be done sometime.

  • @deborahyeo96
    @deborahyeo96 Před 2 lety +3

    Knowing your work is appreciated if the best reward and motivation to keep up with the quality!

  • @TheBlvision
    @TheBlvision Před 2 lety +3

    From the making of calligraphy brush to calligraphy, they are the form of art and the legacy of human culture. I give thanks to those artist and their craftsmanship, so does to the film maker who brings this wonder content of historical weight to us.

  • @yizhang7027
    @yizhang7027 Před 2 lety +353

    This channel gives me the impression that everything in Japan can be extremely expensive.

    • @bittermelonleaf
      @bittermelonleaf Před 2 lety +36

      Everything in Japan IS expensive!

    • @r3zaful
      @r3zaful Před 2 lety +18

      Everything is expensive there, except for ramens and cars
      Dirt cheap lmao.

    • @GrimYak
      @GrimYak Před 2 lety +12

      Everything in Japan is expensive. Especially in the cities. Want an apartment, unless you are a millionaire you need to settle for a small room.

    • @alyanadrua4153
      @alyanadrua4153 Před 2 lety +24

      Japan is a pretty expensive country if we're basing it on cost of living esp in the cities; I've been to Japan multiple times and I always bring extra money just to be sure. The only thing I find cheap there is the food, you get so much for so little money; a Japanese friend even told me that eating out is actually more preferred if your saving money since home-made food is more expensive which is so bizarre imho lol.

    • @ShiratoriIsOffline
      @ShiratoriIsOffline Před 2 lety +4

      @@alyanadrua4153 my dad who worked in osaka for a few years find cooking your own food cheaper, he cooks 3 types of food, then puts it in the freezer which is good for one week.

  • @jakes2305
    @jakes2305 Před 2 lety +336

    You guys should make "Why Japanese Go Stones Are So Expensive" - it'd be like this video combined with your chess pieces video. Japanese Go stones are made out of polished clams' shells, stunningly beautiful and elegant, and ridiculously expensive. And the Go boards, too - big 1 cubic meter boards made from centuries-old Hinoki trees. PLEAAAASE make this video!!!

    • @user-lu5us5zk2x
      @user-lu5us5zk2x Před 2 lety +19

      Shogi (Japanese chess) pieces and boards are also very expensive
      This may be more interesting

    • @piplup10203854
      @piplup10203854 Před 2 lety +2

      I would love to see this for Go!

    • @4f52
      @4f52 Před 2 lety +10

      Why living in a pod in Japan is so expensive: It'd be like this video, the pods are made out of the finest steel mixed with rare meteorite ores, the beds are handcrafted out of silk harvested in the Italian Alps and the only chemical bathroom on the alley is specially designed by acraftsman who took 350 year just to make a perfect seat for your ass

    • @rodo8603
      @rodo8603 Před 2 lety +2

      other than the brush itself, the next shocking thing is that he’s 70

    • @elijahbaley5556
      @elijahbaley5556 Před 2 lety +1

      Cubic meter? Don't you mean square meters

  • @ronald220964
    @ronald220964 Před rokem +1

    Real craftsmanship almost lost in the wheels of industry. I hope they proclaim this brushmaker a national treasure.

  • @nadziqa2496
    @nadziqa2496 Před 2 lety +34

    I always knew that japanese calligraphy is a beautiful art but damn I didn’t expect calligraphy brush making to be equally amazing🥰 I don’t know, I just find this story so lovely :33

  • @tanjunjie5588
    @tanjunjie5588 Před 2 lety +9

    The youngman's voice is just like the brush, sooo soft and good to listen to

  • @redbarchetta8782
    @redbarchetta8782 Před 2 lety +23

    I love watching artisans of all types but the Japanese just relax me the most.

    • @rodo8603
      @rodo8603 Před 2 lety

      other than the brush itself, the next shocking thing is that he’s 70

  • @prajakta7817
    @prajakta7817 Před 2 lety +1

    These are the people who are GENUINELY doing their work by actually going into their customers' shoes. True to their work. Respect.

  • @benfurbank
    @benfurbank Před 2 lety +7

    I literally day dream about doing a job like this and becoming a master at it

  • @nllee7051
    @nllee7051 Před 2 lety +5

    I hope they continue this craft for many generations.

  • @game-f-un-limitedgamer8958

    Have been making brushes since childhood but says he started out at 50 years.
    The level of personal mastery is insane.

  • @lajeannafuller2890
    @lajeannafuller2890 Před 2 lety +3

    These videos are so relaxing, I absolutely love it

  • @bshwgehkl4701
    @bshwgehkl4701 Před 2 lety

    My God! So much effort and patients. Only those who love this job can do with passion. Great work.

  • @scarletwitch6023
    @scarletwitch6023 Před 2 lety +17

    Such patience and focus! I’m feeling frustrated just watching him- having to pick out each imperfect hair one by one… 😖😩😖😫

  • @johnswanson217
    @johnswanson217 Před 2 lety +568

    I think handcraft and artistry is a crucial values of the future.
    When every jobs finally gets perfected by AI, which values are left for human life?
    I think stories behind artists, time and dedication behind craftsman will matter then.
    The whole package of human values, not just a material outcome, will value much more in the near future.
    It's like a non-digital NFT.

    • @mastervz4806
      @mastervz4806 Před 2 lety +37

      Did you just describe art as a non digital nft? Lol an nft is just digital art. You weirdo.

    • @deadweight7334
      @deadweight7334 Před 2 lety +47

      This is the most zoomer thing i read ever, you know that art was a thing before NFTs.

    • @MARIA-pc9cw
      @MARIA-pc9cw Před 2 lety +11

      oh my god. you can't be serious rn 😭

    • @zumletztenhemd
      @zumletztenhemd Před 2 lety +1

      Und

    • @zumletztenhemd
      @zumletztenhemd Před 2 lety +1

      Und das
      Das

  • @Chi-sf2vx
    @Chi-sf2vx Před 2 lety

    I love calligraphy and find it absolutely beautiful how they make these

  • @MalaMala-os2no
    @MalaMala-os2no Před 2 lety +1

    This series is amazing

  • @hilow7541
    @hilow7541 Před 2 lety +9

    This guy love his work do much that we can see how his eye shining so bright when he describe his work

  • @josephjo8350
    @josephjo8350 Před 2 lety +61

    Title: Japan
    Short answer: expensive

  • @Unknown0human
    @Unknown0human Před 2 lety

    I love how he pull from the hair so satisfying 😍

  • @glaxianjasrinetarala7622
    @glaxianjasrinetarala7622 Před 2 lety +5

    Japanese language is just satisfying to my ears..👌🧡

  • @djvelocity
    @djvelocity Před 2 lety +10

    So interesting!!! This content is fascinating! So happy to see this channel back to its former glory 🤩

  • @xora2002
    @xora2002 Před 2 lety +32

    This shows how dedication to something can really change you

  • @modkhi
    @modkhi Před rokem +2

    My grandpa is a semi-pro Chinese calligrapher and I grew up being sent brushes like these (though of course not these super nice ones, but still handmade and with real animal hair; goat, rabbit, horse etc.) -- in the hopes I would get interested in calligraphy. Unfortunately I haven't really learned to read much Chinese, much less write it, so I never got into Chinese calligraphy. But it's fascinating to see the craftsmanship that went into the brushes I saw growing up. I didn't realize they could get so expensive or take so long to make.

    • @user-gu9yq5sj7c
      @user-gu9yq5sj7c Před rokem

      You don't have to learn Chinese or a language to do calligraphy. Just copy it. Calligraphy is more about the art of the letters.

  • @katzwhite5962
    @katzwhite5962 Před 2 lety +3

    If I went to Japan I would end up buying one of these brushes just because....😃. I am so fascinated by their attention to detail. I really want to go to Japan.

  • @centeguahan3760
    @centeguahan3760 Před 2 lety +8

    I have nothing but high respect for everything Japanese masters do. They do it with such passion & perfection, it's hard not to respect them.

  • @benblakemore4195
    @benblakemore4195 Před 2 lety +24

    THESE DEEP DIVES INTO THE JAPANESE MASTERS ARE JUST SUCH AN AMAZING INSIGHT. SUCH A PLEASURE... THANKYOU TO THE MASTER AND THANKYOU BI 😀😀😀

    • @rodo8603
      @rodo8603 Před 2 lety

      other than the brush itself, the next shocking thing is that he’s 70

  • @jyothymohan
    @jyothymohan Před 2 lety

    Such patience and focus... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

  • @denske1272
    @denske1272 Před 2 lety +9

    I really wanted to see the calligraphy guy just go wild with the brush painting like a child with his two thousand dollar brush...or just toss it aside and finger paint...would have been comedically golden

  • @henryc1000
    @henryc1000 Před 2 lety +5

    4:36 I bet those scissors aren’t cheap either! I wonder what brand they are.

  • @georgelim9933
    @georgelim9933 Před 2 lety +4

    Please do high end handmade Japanese fountain pens brands such as Nakaya next!

  • @davianderson8323
    @davianderson8323 Před 2 lety

    The best thing happens to me is this channel ❤️

  • @mrch33sehed93
    @mrch33sehed93 Před 2 lety

    I bet its very relaxing to create and satisfying when finished 😌

  • @mastererik323
    @mastererik323 Před 2 lety +4

    Love and respect from the United States! I respect the hell out of their devotion to the craft and doing what ever it takes to perfect their brushes/calligraphy.

  • @mirunautlus
    @mirunautlus Před 2 lety +32

    his voice is so soothing

  • @basicallyimpizza
    @basicallyimpizza Před 5 měsíci

    Just imagine the amount of dedication you must have to an art, to love it so much, that you would be one of the last ones doing it. And keeping that art alive. That almost goes to speak on the nature of humans themselves.

  • @Totajee79
    @Totajee79 Před rokem

    Love this attention to detail. ❤

  • @stankythecat6735
    @stankythecat6735 Před 2 lety +4

    I love watching this process. I would buy one , even a small one just to have it .

  • @swtpaige1004
    @swtpaige1004 Před 2 lety +9

    I’m amazed and inspired watching videos like these from all over the world. Happy to know that traditions are kept and preserved.

    • @jake9854
      @jake9854 Před 2 lety +1

      nah they should just give up n stop wasting time on these handmake brushes. let the machines do its job!

    • @ismaeelmahmood7259
      @ismaeelmahmood7259 Před 2 lety

      @@jake9854 your telling JAPAN to use machines? That's like telling America to use guns or British people to drink tea. The fact is that mass produced brushes are already a thing but that's not what this video is covering, this video is covering the high end market of hand made brushes. The high end hand made version of products exists for a lot of things across many countries.

    • @jake9854
      @jake9854 Před 2 lety

      @@ismaeelmahmood7259 nah man, handmade is highly overrated. its a way to feel pleasure for enslaving other human from their labor for the duration of the craft. in reality its not much Better than machine brushes

    • @ismaeelmahmood7259
      @ismaeelmahmood7259 Před 2 lety +1

      @@jake9854 'enslaving'? Lmao a tad bit dramatic. 'overated'? In your opinion maybe, don't presume to speak on behalf of everyone, especially not the professionals in the calligraphy industry. The guy in the video didn't seem to feel enslaved, seems more like he had pride in his work and he felt fulfilled with his life. How does any of that look like 'enslavement'?

    • @jake9854
      @jake9854 Před 2 lety

      @@ismaeelmahmood7259 these handmade brushes r better r placebo effect ok? but if there r dummies willing to buy it, by all mean i guess, its money dump into the dumpster, but oh well

  • @gosling8308
    @gosling8308 Před 2 lety

    its always nice to see a craftsman's son our daughter continue the business

  • @The-three-eyed-Prophet
    @The-three-eyed-Prophet Před 2 lety +2

    i would love a video about those expensive wood working chisels from japan

  • @jonnyrox116
    @jonnyrox116 Před 2 lety +9

    In '93 I spent some time in Kyoto and while at a street fair I watched a 12yr old and his little sister doing calligraphy on silk flags using a carved sea sponge lashed to a chopstick! The expression in each character told a story on its own! I really can't see how a $1300 brush can make a better product than what these two children produced...or is it just the gallery you purchased it at?

    • @Genevieve1023
      @Genevieve1023 Před 2 lety

      It depends on the effect your trying to produce. Like different lenses on a photographers camera.

    • @uchihamadara1269
      @uchihamadara1269 Před 2 lety

      Sea sponges are expensive wdym 😂

    • @brobruh5857
      @brobruh5857 Před 2 lety +4

      You're right. This is nothing but scam.

    • @havanax8096
      @havanax8096 Před rokem

      I once bought a ₹10 brush local and after some time i bought a ₹160 brush with a finer quality and higher durability, have been using it for 6 years now, made about 20 landscapes and some sceneries with the same brush and it still looks like it was bought yesterday.

  • @aoitakumi9081
    @aoitakumi9081 Před 2 lety +38

    My grandfather has one of these really expensive calligraphy brushes. He only allowed my older brother to touch those brushes. I wasn't allowed near😆

    • @msDanielp369
      @msDanielp369 Před 2 lety

      "near" 😂 "I wasn't allowed near."
      Up in your memorial

    • @mr.riffian9507
      @mr.riffian9507 Před 2 lety +1

      So, Love his brush mor than you 🤣🙊

    • @user-gu9yq5sj7c
      @user-gu9yq5sj7c Před rokem

      @@mr.riffian9507 Not letting relative touch your stuff doesn't mean you love things more than them. You probably are the same about some of your processions. Just because someone's a relative doesn't mean they're perfectly responsible, or that there's no boundaries. I don't see what's wrong with protecting one's things or tools. Especially expensive ones like the OP said his/her grandpa had.

  • @andrewcosten
    @andrewcosten Před 2 lety

    Amazing work

  • @mmveelee
    @mmveelee Před 2 lety

    Amazing craftsmanship.

  • @Win090949
    @Win090949 Před 2 lety +3

    3:40 I thought it’s a beat drop

  • @blueballoon2026
    @blueballoon2026 Před 2 lety +37

    My respect for Japanese culture, people and it's artistry increases each day❤❤

    • @rodo8603
      @rodo8603 Před 2 lety +1

      other than the brush itself, the next shocking thing is that he’s 70

    • @nom6758
      @nom6758 Před 2 lety +2

      @@rodo8603 nice stolen comment. Didnt even have the balls to use it as a full comment either, just a reply. smh.

  • @styrpak1
    @styrpak1 Před 5 měsíci

    Thank you. I'm very excited to buy two brushes.

  • @rohitnautiyal7090
    @rohitnautiyal7090 Před rokem +2

    I absolutely love how Japan have strong traditional craftsmanship.

  • @kevinsupreme_ph36yearsago59

    Remember this guys, if a product is handmade then it's expensive.

  • @lalmuanawmamualchin2430
    @lalmuanawmamualchin2430 Před 2 lety +38

    Next topic :
    Why everything Japanese is so expensive?

    • @1erickf50
      @1erickf50 Před 2 lety +3

      Except for copics. Copics are still cheap as dirt there than in the Americas :v

    • @shivamarya5225
      @shivamarya5225 Před 2 lety +3

      At least they're noticeably different like the golf ball sized grapes and extremely juicy melons unlike in France where you can expect to pay more for grapes and potatoes from special regions like that's only barely different and i can't even say call them "better" than regular rapes much less pay a premium for them for no reason, like I had their special potatoes that i literally would never buy again because they were literally just regular potatoes me and my friend couldn't even tell them apart in a blind taste test and my guide refused to do the test altogether.

    • @allentoyokawa9068
      @allentoyokawa9068 Před 2 lety

      Because ethey make the best

  • @aex2309
    @aex2309 Před 2 lety +2

    As a beginner calligrapher, one hair stand can ruin everything. So much respect for those who can still calligraph without ruining their brushes

  • @roisncarroll6078
    @roisncarroll6078 Před 2 lety

    Could happily watch him and make the brush from start to finish

  • @renalxdo
    @renalxdo Před 2 lety +4

    You can count on japan to make something so simple amazing to watch and admire

  • @Batman-mg3dy
    @Batman-mg3dy Před 2 lety +189

    Japanese are highly dedicated in whatever they do and hence, they always strive for perfection. It needs mastery in that very object to understand its importance. Some people are just fool who mock others because they aren't capable of understand it. It's just sad and infuriating.

    • @sc_ken6300
      @sc_ken6300 Před 2 lety +5

      Thats why japan is so great

    • @tp8170
      @tp8170 Před 2 lety

      It cannot be understood without some advanced intelligence and knowledge.

    • @florence.066
      @florence.066 Před 2 lety

      @@sc_ken6300 Yes but it's also dangerous there.

    • @akihikosakurai4013
      @akihikosakurai4013 Před 2 lety +1

      @@florence.066 no, we have a very low crime rate. Tokyo is one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world

    • @uchihamadara1269
      @uchihamadara1269 Před 2 lety

      @@akihikosakurai4013 you're really sakurai? So japanese names are mostly real names? Damnn

  • @super_vampire_princess

    Amazing work.

  • @leokimvideo
    @leokimvideo Před rokem +2

    Makes my Photoshop Brush selection seem so rough & basic, even after 40 years Adobe are still trying to perfect their Photoshop brushes, they need to look into the Japanese ideals more

  • @ElSmiley1000
    @ElSmiley1000 Před 2 lety +3

    Its crazy to me how as small as Japan is they have such a strong culture i love it

    • @user-gu9yq5sj7c
      @user-gu9yq5sj7c Před rokem

      I'm not sure what size has to do with strong culture or being about to do anything.

  • @moonlightgazer4566
    @moonlightgazer4566 Před 2 lety +8

    People: "Nothing is perfect"
    Me: "Okay, take a look at this Japanese Calligraphy brush then."

  • @crimsonfire6932
    @crimsonfire6932 Před rokem +1

    Just came from watching the ink episode. Can’t wait to hear about the paper they write on next.

  • @user-sd1bm6hs2n
    @user-sd1bm6hs2n Před 2 lety

    200 brush making ideas in his head - you can't steal 🤩

  • @normiewhodrawsonpaper4580

    “Doc all the good stuff comes from Japan”
    Couldn’t say it better Marty

  • @haleyquinn1080
    @haleyquinn1080 Před 2 lety +33

    For your next video you should tackle “Why Living in America is So Expensive”

    • @bassyey
      @bassyey Před 2 lety +3

      That's just a video of capitalism. No master crafting or any skillful stuff.

    • @ismaeelmahmood7259
      @ismaeelmahmood7259 Před 2 lety

      @@bassyey were you even watching the video? What art have you been mastering for the past 50 years? And where does capitalism come into play? Is it because it costs money? I guess everything is a video of capitalism since almost everything costs money, few products are completely 'free'

  • @anushkagupta6680
    @anushkagupta6680 Před rokem

    This much of perfection is too much for my mind.

  • @lastnamefirstname8655
    @lastnamefirstname8655 Před 2 lety

    cool art and craftsmanship.