There is a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from using a brush that feels like it was made for the exact size of characters you intend to write. The Qi Ming Wen Fang set, consisting of two small weasel-hair brushes labeled QingSu S, is aimed squarely at practitioners working with small regular script—typically characters in the 1.5 to 3 centimeter range. That specificity is both its strength and its limitation.
Out of the box, the brushes are modest in appearance. No ornate handles or lacquered finishes here; just a simple, functional design that prioritizes the business end of the tool. The weasel hair is the main draw. For those unfamiliar, weasel hair (often referred to as wolf hair in the West, though it has nothing to do with wolves) is a stiff, resilient animal hair that holds a sharp point well and springs back after each stroke. In practice, this means the brush can maintain a fine tip for extended periods, which is crucial for the precise, controlled strokes required in small regular script. The difference compared to a softer sheep-hair brush is immediately noticeable: the Qi Ming brush resists bending, giving you more direct feedback from the paper.
I spent a few sessions using these with both thin ink and a slightly thicker, more viscous mix. The brush handled both reasonably well, though it shines with a medium-to-thin ink consistency. The point forms easily and holds through a line of ten or more characters without needing to be re-shaped. For the intended character size, the brush offers good control over stroke beginnings and endings—the ‘entering’ and ‘exiting’ motions that define regular script. The resilience of the hair also makes it forgiving for beginners who are still developing a steady hand, as it tends to correct minor wobbles rather than exaggerate them.
However, there are trade-offs. The brush is not ideal for large characters. If you try to push it beyond its intended range, the small reservoir of ink runs out quickly, and the point collapses under the pressure needed for bigger strokes. This is not a flaw per se, but it does mean the set is a specialized tool rather than a general-purpose one. Additionally, the included two brushes are identical in size. It would have been more versatile to have one slightly smaller and one slightly larger, but as a matched pair, they are consistent in performance. One brush in my set had a slightly uneven hair blend near the base, which caused a minor split after several hours of use. It did not affect the writing quality significantly, but it is worth noting that quality control may vary at this price point.
Compared to a synthetic or mixed-hair brush in the same size range, these weasel-hair brushes feel more responsive and precise. Synthetics often lack the same ‘memory’ and can feel mushy or bendy. That said, a good synthetic brush will be easier to care for and more durable over time. Weasel hair is more delicate and requires proper cleaning and drying to maintain its shape. If you are someone who tends to leave brushes soaking or forgets to rinse them thoroughly, this may not be the best choice. The investment in care is part of the practice, but it is a consideration.
For whom is this set suitable? It is a solid choice for calligraphy students who have moved past the very basics and are focusing on small regular script, particularly those studying classic models like the ‘Lingfei Jing’ or the smaller works of Zhao Mengfu. It is also a good option for Japanese kanji calligraphy practitioners who work at a similar scale and appreciate the same kind of stiffness. The price is reasonable for a natural-hair brush set, making it a viable upgrade from synthetic starter brushes.
On the other hand, if your practice is centered on larger characters—say, 5 centimeters or more—or if you prefer the soft, flowing feel of sheep-hair brushes for clerical or running script, this set will likely frustrate you. It is also not ideal for total beginners who are still experimenting with different styles and sizes, as the specificity might feel limiting. For those who know exactly what they need, however, the Qi Ming Wen Fang small brush set delivers a focused, functional experience that does exactly what it promises.
In summary, these brushes are a practical, no-frills tool for a specific job. They are not flashy, and they are not perfect. But for the calligrapher who spends most of their time in the small regular script range, they offer a level of control and responsiveness that makes the practice more enjoyable. Just be prepared to give them the care they require, and they will serve you well for a good number of sessions.