The Deep History of Sonia G.’s Newest Brush Set

If you are a brush aficionado, you have probably heard the name CHIKUHODO. If not, then you are about to find out how hugely important they are in the world of makeup brushes. My upcoming brush set is a collaboration with this storied manufacturer.For the craftspeople at CHIKUHODO, every brush has a story. And to understand the weight and depth of their craftsmanship, I want to give you a really condensed history.The HistoryCHIKUHODO is a family-owned business based in the Japanese town of Kumano, nestled in the mountains of Hiroshima Prefecture. Beginning around 1870, this traditional village became the center of Japanese fude, or brushes. Originally, Kumano brushes were created for calligraphy, which grew in demand when calligraphy classes became mandatory in Japanese schools. After World War II, Japanese calligraphy was canceled in schools, and the fude business branched out into makeup and painting. Thankfully, in the 1950’s, calligraphy classes started up again in Japan, and the f...