As part of Kumano, Japan's annual Brush Festival, a row of 10,000 brushes hangs along the 99-step path leading to the 10th-century Sakakiyama Shrine. Kumano has been renowned for its brush-making artisans since the end of Japan's Edo period.
Sakakiyama Shrine —
As part of Kumano, Japan's annual Brush Festival, a row of 10,000 brushes hangs along the 99-step path leading to the 10th-century Sakakiyama Shrine. Kumano has been renowned for its brush-making artisans since the end of Japan's Edo period.
Angeles Marin Cabello
Each autumn equinox, used brushes from all over Japan are brought to Kumano to be thrown onto a pyre as part of the Fude no Matsuri (Brush Festival). "It's to honor the souls of the brushes, for the work they've done," says Shin Takemori, president of one of Kumano's 80 family run brush companies.
Brush Festival —
Each autumn equinox, used brushes from all over Japan are brought to Kumano to be thrown onto a pyre as part of the Fude no Matsuri (Brush Festival). "It's to honor the souls of the brushes, for the work they've done," says Shin Takemori, president of one of Kumano's 80 family run brush companies.
Angeles Marin Cabello
It wouldn't be a brush festival without vendors selling actual brushes. Stalls selling the famous implements at knockdown prices line Brush Avenue during Fude no Matsuri.
Sale of the year —
It wouldn't be a brush festival without vendors selling actual brushes. Stalls selling the famous implements at knockdown prices line Brush Avenue during Fude no Matsuri.
Angeles Marin Cabello
Faced with declining demand for calligraphy brushes, many Kumano companies have begun producing high-end makeup brushes.
Facial finery —
Faced with declining demand for calligraphy brushes, many Kumano companies have begun producing high-end makeup brushes.
Angeles Marin Cabello
Struggling to find a gift for the mom who has everything? A brush made from her baby's hair, like the one seen here, could be just the thing.
Baby's first brush —
Struggling to find a gift for the mom who has everything? A brush made from her baby's hair, like the one seen here, could be just the thing.
Angeles Marin Cabello
During Kumano's Fude no Matsuri festival, Brush Avenue is filled with 10,000 brushes, big and small. The brushes are hung around head level, so everyone can feel them.
Brush Avenue —
During Kumano's Fude no Matsuri festival, Brush Avenue is filled with 10,000 brushes, big and small. The brushes are hung around head level, so everyone can feel them.
Angeles Marin Cabello
Calligraphy masters pace barefoot around a "canvas" (a large vinyl sheet spread on the ground) in a balletic whirl, wielding a heavy brush longer than their arm.
Master calligrapher —
Calligraphy masters pace barefoot around a "canvas" (a large vinyl sheet spread on the ground) in a balletic whirl, wielding a heavy brush longer than their arm.
Angeles Marin Cabello
Kumano turns out a staggering 15 million brushes a year -- 80% of Japan's total brush production. Most are used for painting, calligraphy and makeup.
Different strokes —
Kumano turns out a staggering 15 million brushes a year -- 80% of Japan's total brush production. Most are used for painting, calligraphy and makeup.
Angeles Marin Cabello
"Even today, Kumano brushes are all handmade," says Shin Takemori, president of Chikuhodo Ltd., one of 80 family run brush-making companies located in Kumano.
Keeping Kumano's tradition alive —
"Even today, Kumano brushes are all handmade," says Shin Takemori, president of Chikuhodo Ltd., one of 80 family run brush-making companies located in Kumano.
Chikuhodo Ltd