Why should the brush be washed with water after calligraphy practice?

The most taboo of brush maintenance is to let the ink dry thoroughly on the pen. Animals have a layer of oil on their hair, which makes them soft and elastic. Ink is sticky. If it is not cleaned after use, it will make the pen dry and brittle, which is not conducive to books and books. It's a bit like our hair is easy to get crisp after perm.

Another function of washing the pen is to prevent excessive ink from accumulating at the root of the pen. When too much ink is accumulated, the root of the pen will be slowly expanded by the ink accumulation block, which is easy to appear hollow, and the nib can not be gathered normally, and the length and flexibility of the nib will also be affected. The process of pen washing and matters needing attention are as follows:

1. Wash the brush in circles until the water is basically clear, just change the water once or twice. The so-called "clean" does not mean that there is no ink left. For example, prepare to wash the pen twice and rinse it in turn until the water for the second time is basically clear. Some ink will remain on the brush, so it is not necessary to be 100% clean. Excessive cleaning will affect the service life of brushes.

2. Absorb excess water with paper towels, and don't squeeze hard. Tidy up the brush and keep it conical. Place or hang in a dry and cool place. Don't be exposed to the sun, otherwise it will bring damage and accelerate aging.

3. When you don't use it for a long time, you can put two handfuls of dried Zanthoxylum bungeanum in the pencil case to prevent insects, or you can put borneol and other spices in the place where the brush is stored.