A history that has flowed together with the changing times
UNO BRUSH was founded in 1917. Approximately 100 years ago, the founder Mr.Mihoji Uno established it in the present day Sumida-ku, Tokyo.Hake, a tool to spread on liquids like glue and pigment, is an absolutely essential item for artisans. The shop gradually started to receive orders for hake that could service various other uses as well.
From tradition to innovation. Brush crafting for a new era.
Later, upon entering the Showa era, when the company moved to its current location, it developed more ties to the people using its tools, and it came to receive even more orders for Hake that could fit a wider array of applications. Later, in addition to traditional Hake, it also started to manufacture metal wrapped Hake. Eventually, it went on to broaden its business base even further, as exemplified by brush manufacturing that drew from the techniques of Hake manufacturing. After entering the Heisei era, the company established itself as a corporation in order to increase its selling abilities. In addition to continuing its mission of creating tools for artisans, it also went on to produce innovative products that incorporated design concepts and fun ideas for the general public.
Experience crafting a Chidori (a plover) bird brush that looks like it might even fly away
In this activity, you will craft a Chidori (a plover) bird brush, which is a famous UNO BRUSH specialty. The brush base crafted to look like a cute bird, as devised by a product designer Ms.Atsuko Ono, is a wonderful piece that emits a sense of movement, as if the bird is ready to take flight any moment. You can choose from among three colors: red, white, or black. Select the bird that will most match your home interior decor.
Firm horse hairs bring suppleness to the brush bristles
After affixing in a vice the base area where the bristles are to be inserted for the Chidori you have selected, start to insert the bristles in the brush portion. The hairs used for bristles in your brush is horse tail hairs. This horse tail hairs with the optimal stiffness and firmness sweeps dust away thoroughly, and is perfect to use as a table brush.
Pulling strongly, this is the secret to a high-quality hand fitted brushes
Thread a wire through the hole in the base, and push through a clump of bristles through the loop that you have made. By repeating these steps of pulling the wire tight and inserting the bristles into the brush base, your project will gradually start to turn into a brush. In order for your hand fitted brush to finish with bristles that do not shed easily, for years and years of use, the key point is firmly inserting the bristles at this step.
When you finish inserting the bristles into the base, you set the base onto the brush frame and affix it with nails and bond. Lastly, align the bristle tips, and your Chidori bird brush is complete. This Chidori brush you have poured your heart and soul into making is already more than just a mere tool. Keep it displayed as part of your interior decor, and use it as your partner in quickly sweeping away dust.
A gentle sweep. Make brushing a part of your life.
The crafting technique of Hake and brushes is a tradition protected by Ms.Chieko Uno, third generational head and Michiyo, her daughter. Michiyo comments, “Brushes are an intimate part of helping out in our daily lives. I wish everyone to feel the warmth and delicateness of hand fitted brushes. Keep close by your brush that is useful for everyday living, and make it a habit to give a little sweep every day.
Established in 1917 in the present day Sumida-ku, Tokyo.The company started by making Hake, and gradually expanded to brush making as well. Hake and brushes are a useful part of our lives as tools. Recently, our brushes with a pop, interior design flavor featuring animal and bird themes are garnering a lot of attention.
