:: Writing Implements ::

The most important Chinese writing implement is the writing brush. It is said that General Mengtian of the Qin dynasty invented Chinese writing brushes. But some researchers believe that Mengtian didn't invent the brushes, he just improved the technique of making them. The bristles of such brushes could be made from the hair of foxes, rabbits, wolves, and all sorts of other animals. Nowadays the Chinese still use writing brushes on special occasions (like New Years Day) to write on ornaments in and around the house. In addition to brushes, ink sticks and ink stones/dishes were also important in that the long-lasting quality of the ink made ancient Chinese writings imperishable on silk or books so that we can still read and appreciate the books even after thousands of years. As to paper, it has to be mentioned that the Chinese were the first people in the world to invent paper. The invention of paper came in response to the need to identify writing methods that were easier to apply than carved inscriptions in bone or bamboo.