Hake brushes have been used by craftspeople in Japan since the Heian period (794–1185) to mount paintings into scrolls. Today, they remain central not only for traditional mounting but also in conservation. Handcrafted from various types of animal hair and wood, each brush is designed for a specific purpose, resulting in a diverse range of brush types that reflect a long tradition of brushmaking in Japan. Join this discussion about the history, craftsmanship, and life cycle of these indispensable tools, and see a selection of brushes used by conservators. Also available for viewing are Japanese illustrated books showing a mounter and papermaker using brushes.

With Alexa Machnik, conservation fellow, Asian Conservation Studio.

Free with general admission. No advance registration or tickets required. Due to space constraints, tours are limited to 12 participants (first come, first served). Tours meet at Sharf Visitor Center. Assistive listening devices available upon request.