A single fine hair is chosen from millions, light in weight yet significant in craftsmanship. On October 30, 2024, Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College invited contemporary brush-making master Mr. Zhou Xiaowen to deliver a Grand Beauty Fourm Series lecture titled The Art of Craftsmanship: The Process and Rediscovery of Traditional Calligraphy Brush Making.
Professor Yang Liu, the College Master of MLC, first introduced the distinguished guest—Mr. Zhou Xiaowen, founder of Wenxin Brush Workshop in Jiangxi. Mr. Zhou is not only a highly skilled artisan but also a devoted inheritor of Chinese traditional culture and modern craftsmanship. Following this, the academic host, renowned Chinese painting master and senior college mentor Professor Zhang Yan, provided an overview of the historical background of brush-making and its connection to traditional Chinese culture.
Amid enthusiastic applause, Mr. Zhou Xiaowen began his lecture, guiding staff and students through time to explore the evolution of calligraphy brushes across different dynasties. He highlighted the many exceptional brush artisans who emerged throughout Chinese civilization, dedicating themselves to their craft with humility and perseverance. Their unwavering commitment and passion for excellence have played a crucial role in shaping the legacy of Chinese brush-making—an ethos that remains relevant today.
Mr. Zhou then delved into the twelve major steps of brush-making, each requiring extraordinary craftsmanship and wisdom. In total, the process involves over a hundred meticulous procedures. Through a series of images showcasing these steps, he offered the audience an intuitive understanding of the complexity and dedication required in brush-making. He emphasized that while technical skills are fundamental, an artisan’s personal refinement and dedication elevate the craft to an art form. The pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship, he explained, is not only the essence of brush-making but also a reflection of his personal philosophy.
After the lecture, Mr. Zhou conducted a live demonstration of brush restoration and guided students in hands-on practice. Under his instruction, the students not only learned the techniques of brush repair but also gained a deeper appreciation of the artisan’s devotion to the craft. As a special highlight, Mr. Zhou engraved the names of attendees onto the brushes he had personally crafted and presented them as cherished keepsakes. The session concluded with a group photo of staff and students holding their gifted brushes alongside Mr. Zhou.
Through his exceptional craftsmanship, Mr. Zhou Xiaowen has not only created countless outstanding brushes but also dedicated himself to the inheritance and innovation of brush-making techniques. His work embodies the noble mission of preserving Chinese cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. This lecture was more than a lesson in craftsmanship—it was an inspiring testament to the enduring spirit of traditional culture. May we all, like Mr. Zhou, embrace the heart of an artisan, uphold cultural traditions, and let the art of brush-making shine even brighter in the modern era.