How do I read the size markings on a Japanese calligraphy brush (号, 大, 中, 小)?

Japanese brushes are traditionally labeled with kanji rather than simple size numbers. 号 (gō) indicates a size number, usually preceded by a numeral (e.g. 3号 = size 3).

大 (dai) means extra-large; 太 (futo) means thick, suited to 2–6 characters per sheet; 中 (chū) means medium, suited to 6–12 characters; 細 (hoso) means fine, for detailed work and signatures; and 小 (shō) means small, for copying sutras or kana.

These labels can be inconsistent between makers, so if you're unsure which size fits your project, feel free to ask us directly.