Xuan writing brush Xuan writing brush Xuan writing brush or Xuanbi (), is a type of ink brush made in Anhui Province, China. Xuan brushes are often mentioned together with the famous Xuan paper - a kind of writing paper (rice-paper). The ink brushes are normally made in Jingxian County (currently Jing County) of Anhui Province. In ancient times, Jingxian County was under the jurisdiction of Xuanzhou Prefecture (宣州府; Xuān-Zhōu Fǔ; currently Xuancheng), so its name bears the character "Xuan" (Xuān). The Xuan brushes gained popularity in Jin Dynasty (256-420) among classic scholars, governmental officials, calligraphists and painters. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907)
Ge Xuan renowned alchemist who wrote the "Baopuzi", also wrote a thorough biography about Ge Xuan in the "Shenxian zhuan" (Biographies of Divine Immortals). In this biography, Ge Hong states that Ge Xuan was summoned to the court of the Eastern Wu ruler, Sun Quan. However, a flotilla of boats capsized causing numerous deaths. Many presumed that Ge Xuan was one of the casualties but Ge Xuan miraculously returned a few days later, apologizing for not being present. Ge Xuan excused himself by claiming he had been detained by the Water-Deity, Wu Zixu. Ge Xuan was able to stay submerged by holding