Best Calligraphy & Sumi Brushes of 2026

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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Calligraphy and Sumi brushes are essential tools for anyone interested in the art of writing. These brushes are traditionally made with natural hair and bamboo handles, allowing for a smooth and precise stroke. Calligraphy brushes are typically used for lettering, while Sumi brushes are used for painting and drawing. The unique shape and texture of each brush allows for a range of strokes, from fine lines to bold, sweeping marks. Whether you're a professional calligrapher or a beginner looking to explore a new art form, Calligraphy and Sumi brushes are a must-have in your toolkit.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Zonon Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set Cover #TOP 1
Zonon Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Yasutomo Calligraphy Brush Set CC1, CC3, CC5 Cover #TOP 2
Yasutomo Calligraphy Brush Set CC1, CC3, CC5
ftb score rating icon 9.7
PH PandaHall Chinese Calligraphy Water Writing Set Cover #TOP 3
PH PandaHall Chinese Calligraphy Water Writing Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Calligraphy & Sumi Brushes

#TOP 1

Zonon Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set

Zonon-Chinese Calligraphy brush-90
Black
1 Count (Pack of 3)
Zonon Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set Cover
Zonon 3 Pieces Chinese Calligraphy Brush Pens Japanese Calligraphy Brush Sumi Drawing Brush Traditional Wooden Watercolor Ink Pens for Beginner Watercolor Painting Tools (3 Sizes)

The Zonon Calligraphy Brush Set includes three brushes of varying sizes, perfect for all your writing and painting needs. Each brush is crafted from durable ebony and lightweight bristles, ensuring a comfortable grip while you create. Their versatility allows you to explore Chinese calligraphy, painting, and drawing, making them ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike. With excellent craftsmanship, these brushes resist shedding and are easy to clean, ensuring they last through many artistic endeavors. You'll find that shaping the brushes with your fingers and using them with ink or watercolors is simple, leading to beautiful art results.

What We Like
Multiple brush sizes available
Durable and lightweight materials
Versatile for various art forms
Easy to clean and maintain
#TOP 2

Yasutomo Calligraphy Brush Set CC1, CC3, CC5

CC-SET
Gold
Yasutomo Calligraphy Brush Set CC1, CC3, CC5 Cover
Yasutomo Calligraphy Brush Set, 3 Pieces, Arts and Crafts Supplies

The Yasutomo Calligraphy Brushes come in a set of three, featuring the popular CC1, CC3, and CC5 models. These brushes are made with a mix of natural and synthetic hairs, giving you a firm yet flexible feel that helps you create sharp, clean lines. Whether you're working on calligraphy or sketching, these brushes provide the precision you need for detailed strokes. Each brush has a handy loop, so you can hang them up for easy storage and quick access, keeping your workspace organized and efficient.

What We Like
Variety of brush sizes
High-quality hair blend
Precise stroke control
Convenient hanging loop
#TOP 3

PH PandaHall Chinese Calligraphy Water Writing Set

wh-AJEW-PH0004-40-US24
PH PandaHall Chinese Calligraphy Water Writing Set Cover
PH PandaHall 4pcs No Ink Chinese Calligraphy Set Reusable Water Writing Magic Cloth Scrolls Chinese Traditional Calligraphy Writing Brushes Pens for Beginners Professional Practice Chinese New Year

The PH PandaHall Water Calligraphy set is perfect for beginners learning Chinese calligraphy without the mess of ink. Instead of using traditional ink, you write with water on a special cloth that darkens as you write and then fades away, allowing you to practice repeatedly without waste. The set includes a large reusable cloth scroll that is easy to store and handle, making your practice convenient and environmentally friendly. It also comes with authentic Chinese brushes that offer a smooth writing experience and are durable enough to last through many sessions. This set helps you develop your skills while keeping your workspace clean and neat.

What We Like
Reusable water writing cloth
Mess-free practice without ink
Authentic durable Chinese brushes
Easy storage and portability
#TOP 4

SEAMEW 10-Piece Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set

Brush-V1
Brown
1 Count (Pack of 1)
SEAMEW 10-Piece Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set Cover
SEAMEW 10-Piece Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set - Premium Writing Brushes with Roll-up Bamboo Brush Holder

Experience the art of Chinese calligraphy with the SEAMEW Calligraphy Brush Set. This set includes 12 high-quality brushes, meticulously crafted to provide precise and smooth brush strokes. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this set is perfect for calligraphy, watercolor, writing, painting, and drawing. Create awe-inspiring art with ease using our premium brushes. The smooth handle design ensures a comfortable grip for extended creative sessions, and the tightly reinforced brush heads provide durability for long-term use. Share the joy of art with your loved ones by gifting them this brush set. Keep your brushes organized and protected with the included roll-up bamboo brush holder.

What We Like
Precise brush strokes
Versatile for various art mediums
Comfortable grip
#TOP 5

Corciosy Chinese Calligraphy Brushes Gift Set

CB-01
Blue
Corciosy Chinese Calligraphy Brushes Gift Set Cover
Corciosy Chinese Calligraphy Brushes Set,Professional Sumi Water Writing, Japanese Painting Set for Beginners,Gift for Christams and New Year

If you are interested in Chinese culture and Chinese characters, then the Corciosy Calligraphy Brushes Set is perfect for you. This set includes 4 Chinese calligraphy brushes, 100g of black liquid ink, an ink stone, an ink stick, a Chinese brush rest, a porcelain bowl, a reusable magic cloth water, and 30 sheets of rice paper for practice. It is a great starter set for beginners and lovers of calligraphy. The set provides a full range of tools needed for ink writing and painting. The elegant experience of practicing Chinese calligraphy can help you calm your mind, reduce working pressure, cultivate morality, and optimize your temperament. Additionally, it is also suitable for writing Japanese and Kanji characters. This set makes a wonderful gift for anyone interested in Chinese writing, and it comes in safe packaging with timely delivery.

What We Like
Full set included
Great starter set
Elegant experience
#TOP 6

PH PandaHall 12-Pin Wenge Calligraphy Brush Holder Set

wh-AJEW-PH0004-82-US24
Black
PH PandaHall 12-Pin Wenge Calligraphy Brush Holder Set Cover
PH PandaHall 12-Pin Wenge Brush Holder, Chinese Japanese Calligrapghy Brush Hanger Carving Calligraphy Sumi Brush Holder with 5 Brushes and 2 Ink Tray Containers for New Year, Beginners Professional

The PH PandaHall Brush Holder is a complete calligraphy set that includes a plastic wenge brush holder, five wooden brushes, and two ink trays to meet your creative needs. The holder’s unique Chinese-style design adds a vintage and artistic touch to your workspace, making it both functional and decorative. Installation is simple and tool-free—you just slide the holder into place, saving you time and effort. The holder also helps extend the life of your brushes by allowing them to air dry properly. This set is perfect for beginners and professionals looking for a stylish and practical brush storage solution.

What We Like
Complete calligraphy set
Unique Chinese-style design
Easy, tool-free installation
Extends brush lifespan
Versatile and decorative
#TOP 7

Corciosy 13PCS Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set

MBSET-0013
Multicolor
Corciosy 13PCS Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set Cover
Corciosy 13PCS Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set, Writing Brush with Bamboo Storage Scoll, Japanese or Chinese Kanji Sumi-E Drawing Watercolor Brush

The Corciosy Calligraphy Brush Set includes 13 brushes in various sizes and materials, giving you the flexibility to tackle different artistic projects with ease. It comes with a bamboo storage scroll, making it simple to carry and keep your brushes organized. Each brush offers a smooth, comfortable grip and well-balanced bristles, allowing you to write or paint with precision and confidence. Whether you're creating bold strokes or delicate lines, this set supports your creativity. It also makes a thoughtful gift for friends or family who enjoy calligraphy or painting, encouraging their artistic growth and passion.

What We Like
Variety of brush sizes
Includes bamboo storage scroll
Comfortable grip and smooth handling
Suitable for diverse writing and painting
Great cultural gift option
#TOP 8

12-Piece Chinese Calligraphy Brushes Set

Multicolor
Medium
12-Piece Chinese Calligraphy Brushes Set Cover
Marspark 12 Pieces Chinese Calligraphy Brushes Painting Writing Watercolor Brushes Set for Kanji Japanese Sumi Drawing with Roll-up Holder

The 12-Piece Chinese Calligraphy Brushes Set includes brushes made of different materials and sizes for multiple uses. These brushes are made of durable materials with smooth handles, tightly reinforced brush heads, and are comfortable to use. They are perfect for Chinese calligraphy, watercolor, kanji Japanese sumi, writing, painting, and drawing. Additionally, it comes with a roll-up brush holder for easy storage. It's an ideal gift for artists, art lovers, and beginners to improve their calligraphy writing or watercolor painting skills.

What We Like
Durable materials with smooth handles and tightly reinforced brush heads
Multiple brushes made of different materials and sizes for various uses
Suitable for Chinese calligraphy, watercolor, kanji Japanese sumi, writing, painting, and drawing
#TOP 9

Corciosy Chinese Calligraphy and Watercolor Brush Set

Corciosy-016
Black & Grey
Large
Corciosy Chinese Calligraphy and Watercolor Brush Set Cover
Corciosy Chinese Calligraphy Brushes Set, Professional Sumi Watercolor Brushes Set, Japanese Painting Set for Beginners,Gift for Christams and New Year

The Corciosy Calligraphy Brush Set is perfect for beginners who want to explore the beauty of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy. It helps you relax and enjoy the traditional art of writing characters, which can also improve your focus and patience. This set is designed to make learning easy and enjoyable, especially if you’re just starting out. Using these brushes can be a calming activity that reduces stress and boosts your mental well-being. Plus, practicing calligraphy with this set encourages personal growth by enhancing your creativity and mindfulness.

What We Like
Ideal for beginners
Promotes relaxation and focus
Supports mental well-being
Encourages creativity and mindfulness
#TOP 10

Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set with Bamboo Pen Holder

20220211052
3 Count (Pack of 1)
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set with Bamboo Pen Holder Cover
Huakaile 3 Sizes Chinese Calligraphy Brush Set, Chinese Writing Brushes, Painting Brushes with Bamboo Pen Holder, Traditional Art Sumi Brush (Large, Medium, Small Size)

This Chinese Writing Brush Set includes three sizes of brushes (large, medium, small) with exquisite workmanship and durable materials. The nib is made of high-quality hair, and the shaft is made of superior bamboo. The set is easy to clean with a lanyard design for washing, drying, and placement. These brushes can be used for Chinese calligraphy, painting, watercolor painting, landscape painting, ink painting, flower and bird painting, bamboo leaf painting, and more.

What We Like
Set of 3 brushes in different sizes
Exquisite workmanship with Chinese characters and wood grain patterns
Durable materials made of high-quality hair and superior bamboo
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is so unique about the sumi-e brush?

The sumi-e brush is unique because it is made from natural materials of the finest quality. The handle is typically made from bamboo, and the bristles are a combination of various wild animal hairs, such as rabbit, wolf, badger, horse, and deer. This combination of materials creates a brush that is ideal for the art of sumi-e.

2. What is the difference between sumi-e and Chinese brush painting?

Sumi-e and Chinese brush painting (CBP) have slight differences in approach. CBP focuses on shades of ink and the use of lines, while sumi-e, the Japanese form, emphasizes the simplicity of lines. While both art forms use similar brushes and ink, the artistic techniques and styles vary slightly between the two.

3. Why are Japanese calligraphy brushes so expensive?

Japanese calligraphy brushes can be expensive due to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in their production. High-end brushes require every hair to be perfectly aligned, and any imperfections must be meticulously removed. This level of craftsmanship, coupled with the use of high-quality materials, contributes to the higher cost of Japanese calligraphy brushes.

4. Why is sumi ink so expensive?

Sumi ink is expensive because it undergoes a lengthy production process. It comes in a solid form and takes several years of production before the ink sticks can be sold. The most expensive sumi ink sticks require an even longer production time. The combination of time, craftsmanship, and the use of high-quality ingredients contributes to the higher cost of sumi ink.

5. How much is the most expensive calligraphy brush?

The most expensive calligraphy brushes are custom-made for master calligraphers and can cost over $1,000. These brushes are meticulously crafted and each brush tip is made by a single artisan. The delicate process of creating such a brush can take over a month to complete, which adds to its value.

6. Is sumi ink the same as calligraphy ink?

Sumi ink is an excellent choice for calligraphy, especially for beginners. It is a type of black calligraphy ink that is commonly used. However, it is important to note that sumi ink usually comes in a solid form and needs to be transferred to a small screw-top container for use in calligraphy.

Editor's Notes

During our calligraphy & sumi brush research, we found 24 calligraphy & sumi brush products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,285 customer reviews through our big data system to write the calligraphy & sumi brushes list. We found that most customers choose calligraphy & sumi brushes with an average price of $17.62.

The calligraphy & sumi brushes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of calligraphy & sumi brushes, including Zonon, Yasutomo, PH PandaHall, SEAMEW, Corciosy. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,117 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.