Gekkoso brushes are made from 100% natural hair and are finished by a single craftsman who is involved in every process. Because they are natural products and no two are exactly alike, the condition of the hair and wooden shaft is always monitored, and quality is maintained through meticulous craftsmanship.
<Features of Gekkoso brushes>
1. Only natural hair is used. Through a rigorous selection process spanning three times, only the best raw hair is selected.
②By utilizing the natural characteristics of the hair and combining up to three different types of hair, we create a unique suppleness and firmness. In addition, by carefully adjusting the flow of the hair by hand, it is less likely to become unruly, even after years of use.
3) We use raw hair that is more than twice as long as the visible tip. This reduces shedding, and by using the thin part of the hair close to the tip, the amount of hair increases, resulting in a more flexible tip that retains more moisture.
4) Wooden shafts made of plain wood such as willow or birch are not varnished or painted, and are left in their natural state, so they are not sticky or slippery, and do not interfere with the judgment of colors when creating a work of art.
⑤Hornmark products can be repaired as long as they still have shape. Broken or cracked wooden shafts can be replaced, and bent tips can be repaired as long as the bristles themselves are not broken.
<Manufacturing process>
1. Selecting the raw hair... Select the hair that will create a well-organized brush.
2. Selection of raw hair (1st time)… Only high-quality hair is left and the flow of the hair is adjusted
3. Ironing: Removes moisture from the raw wool and straightens out any curls
4. Ash kneading: Removes oil from the raw wool and improves the smoothness of the wool.
5. Ash removal: Remove excess ash
6. Raw hair selection (2nd time)…removing unnecessary hair
7. Aligning the tips ... Neatly align the tips of the hairs to improve their neatness
8. Cutting the hair roots... The hair roots are cut evenly with a cutting machine.
9. Removing fat (boiling)… The hair bundle is boiled for an hour. By removing the fat from inside the raw hair, the hair's moisture retention is improved.
10. Hair selection (3rd time)…Unnecessary hair is removed. The tip is less likely to spread or bounce even after years of use.
11. Mixed Hair: Mix different types and lengths of hair and wrap them together. Repeat 3-4 times to eliminate unevenness. The mixing ratio is changed depending on the condition of the raw hair and the season.
12. Making the tip: The amount of hair is measured and the tip is made. It is flattened and the base is tied with thread and hardened with glue.
13. Tip-dashi: A stick (a thin, rounded piece of wood) is used to poke the centre of the base of the hair to expose the centre of the tip, making it thin and sharp.
14. Fastening the ferrule: Insert the tip into the ferrule and extend the bristles. Glue is then injected and left to dry and harden for a day.
15. Wooden shaft stopper... Glue the nozzle and wooden shaft with waterproof glue.
16. Marking the wooden shaft...The number, "gekkoso" and "japan" are stamped on the wooden shaft with a branding iron.
