MASTER-SERIES: (Yellow handle) Hand-made Cat-Hair Maki-e Brush by Master Murata Kurobe-e
 
Maki-e brush sizes are represented by the color of the handle.  Starting with Yellow as the thickest (most hair strands), followed by Black and Red. 
The name of the brush translates as Yellow Stone Slate.   
 
This cat-hair brush is made by brush master Mr. Murata Kurobee of Kyoto. The "Yellow-handle Stone Slate"'s round size carries abundant urushi and the short brush head makes it ideal for writing small calligraphic characters and for painting larger patches, when both require small strokes application.  The brush head is adjustable and removable for different brush-control and for cleaning. 
 
Mr. Murata is one of the few remaining maki-e brush artisans in Japan. His work is in high demand as the tedious hand-made production process is very slow. Each brush is like a piece of art.
 
Japan's Handmade cat-hair brush is a very important tool for Maki-e Artisan. Centuries of trial-and-error with different hair types and brush sizes have led to the perfected, beautiful maki-e brushes. They are the pride of the brush artisans as well as maki-e artisans. And since the foundation of kinstugi was set by Maki-e masters, serious learners should learn and use maki-e brushes in their practices. 
 
My personal experience with artisanal maki-e brush is, once you get used to using it, it is hard to go back to cheap nylon brush.  It is very well-made and the natural hair gives the right amount of tension to pull smooth skinny lines.   As with any brush, if maintained well, it will last for decades.  Real maki-e brush does deserves a lot of care.  
 
Professional maki-e brush is designed to have adjustable brush-head where the length of the hair can be extended or retracted. It is also designed to be removed for extensive cleaning after each use. As with all fine-quality handmade items, take very good care of it and it will last you a long time.
 
INVENTORY
*** We only carry very small inventory as these are hand-made in small batches.  If out-of-stock, we accept pre-order so we can hold the item for you when we receive the new batch from the brush artisan.   With the rarity of these master's brushes, wait for order could be 2-3 months. 
 
If you need assistance in choosing brushes, email us and we will make recommendations.  Check out our video on what brushes to use and how to maintain delicate maki-e brushes.