Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 筆 (brush) evolved from ancient pictographs showing a hand holding a bamboo stick with animal hair attached. The modern form combines ⽵ (bamboo) representing the brush handle and 聿 (hand holding brush) indicating writing. Originally depicting writing implements in ancient China, it came to represent writing itself and scholarly pursuits. Arrived in Japan: The character likely arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing systems, possibly through Korean scribes or direct cultural exchange with China during the Asuka period.