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)
Xuan paper a mixture of hemp (the first fiber used for paper in China) and mulberry fiber. By the Song dynasty, the paper producing industries in Huizhou and Chizhou were gradually transferred to Jing County. Due to different producing methods, Xuan paper can be classified into "Shengxuan", "Shuxuan", and "Banshuxuan". Shengxuan (literally "Raw Xuan"), which is not specially processed, excels in its ability to absorb water, causing the ink on it to blur. Shuxuan (literally "Ripe Xuan"), however, has Potassium alum worked into it during production, which results in a stiffer texture, a reduced ability to absorb water, and less resistance to