Lacto takes its name from an unusual material: a resin made from milk protein, used here for the brush shaft in place of the usual bamboo or wood.
It's an odd, appealing detail for a traditional Japanese brush, and it gives the handle a pale, almost porcelain-like finish.
Handmade by Chiyomi Tanaka, one of only seven certified traditional brush artisans in Nara, Japan, and the only woman among them profiled by The New York Times Style Magazine, the brush pairs wool with white horse hair for a soft yet responsive tip suited to sumi-e's washes and gradations.
One reviewer called it a weighted, beautifully crafted brush that absorbs ink well and leaves expressive, thoughtful marks, adding that its pale shaft makes a striking contrast against dark ink and a liver-red inkstone.
At 315mm overall, with a 61.7mm brush head and 11.8mm thickness, it has enough presence in the hand for confident, sustained brushwork.
As with all of Tanaka's brushes, each is shaped individually — expect small natural variations in size and weight, and about a week for inspection before shipping.
Since the bristles are natural animal hair, please check your country's import regulations before ordering.
Size
- Overall Length: 315 mm
- Brush Length: 61.7 mm
- Thickness: 11.8 mm
- Brush materials: Wool, White horse
disclaimer
- Each of these Chiyomi Tanaka's brushes is handmade. Therefore, quality, size and weight are not consistent. Also, it takes time to inspect the product, so it takes a little over a week to ship.
- This brush is made of natural animal hair. There may be restrictions regarding the importation of brushes made of such natural animal hair in your country. Please make sure you (the importer) check the import regulations in your country before placing your order. Please understand that we are not responsible for any problems that may occur regarding import regulations in the importing country before placing your order.
