Located just across the street from Shanghai Book City, the Shanghai Ink and Brush Museum is not easily noticeable amidst the bustling Fuzhou Road. However, once you step inside, you will discover a hidden gem. The museum, filled with the fragrance of ink and brushes, showcases a variety of exquisite writing brushes and ink, as well as their selection, production, and anecdotes related to famous figures, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the profoundness of ink and brush culture.
Upon entering the museum, the first floor is primarily for the sale of ink and brushes, while the upper floors house the exhibition halls. The exhibition area is not large, featuring display cases in three directions: left, right, and center. Each exhibit is accompanied by both Chinese and English audio guides. The center of the hall displays precious items, including fine inks produced by Cao Suge and others; the right section mainly showcases Chinese calligraphy and painting inks, including materials, additives, and molds used in ink production, as well as some exquisite finished products.
Two particularly striking brushes are on display, with bristles reaching 10 centimeters in length. These were crafted from the exceptionally long bristles selected by the then eighty-year-old Mr. Li Keran over 70 years, from millions of genuine winter northern wolf tail hairs. This process of selecting one bristle out of millions epitomizes the saying, ‘one in a million,’ making these brushes the prized treasures of the museum. The museum is open year-round, Monday through Saturday, from 09:30 to 17:30. Please note that specific business hours are subject to the day’s opening status.
