She Zhengjun, an inheritor of the traditional technique of making Xuan brush, works on the handle of a Xuan brush at a workshop in Jingxian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 5, 2020. Ink brushes are used in traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. Together with ink stone, inkstick and Xuan paper, these four writing implements constitute the "Four Treasures of Study". A highly acclaimed type of ink brush, the Xuan brush is believed to originate in the Qin dynasty (around 200 BC) in Xuanzhou area of ancient China. The hair of the Xuan brush is usually made from the hair of rabbit, weasel or goat, depending on the need of its user, while the handle is typically made of bamboo. The traditional technique of making the Xuan brush, which involves numerous steps, has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage since 2008. (Xinhua/Zhang Duan)
