Although the brush is a practical tool, with the needs of social, economic, and cultural development, the production and variety of brushes have continuously improved and increased, with technological advancements making brushes more refined and perfect. Gradually, they also became collectibles and objects for appreciation. Brushes are difficult to preserve, as their bristles are practical and prone to damage, so the appreciation of brushes should focus on the shape of the bristles, but even more importantly, on the decorative aspects of the brush handle, which are rich in color and content.

The form of the bristles has been improved and enhanced according to the needs of writing and painting. Ancient people made bristles in the shape of bamboo shoots, which is a traditional Chinese name, belonging to short-fiber lamb hair or mixed hair brushes. The tip is short and the body is thick and short, resembling a bamboo shoot. The belly of the tip is thick, and it is easy to create a heavy and solid effect when touching the paper. In addition to its practical use, it also provides aesthetic enjoyment. Another example is the brush made in the shape of orchids, which is also one of China's traditional brush categories. The brush head is round, white, pure, and delicate, like an unopened jade orchid, giving a beautiful and pleasing appearance. In ancient times, there was another type of brush called "gourd-shaped," which was a mixed hair brush with a round and firm handle.

After the brush handle became an object of appreciation and collection, people often used precious treasures such as pearls and jade to make the brush handles, to achieve decorative beauty or to show off wealth and status. For instance, in the "Wenfang Si Kao Tushuo" (Volume 3: "On Pens") by Tang Bingjun during the 43rd year of the Qianlong era (1778 AD), it is mentioned: "Han dynasty pens were carved with gold, decorated with lapis lazuli, adorned with Suizhu (Sui pearls), and painted with feathers of peacocks. The handle was not made of rare wood, but must be made of ivory, extremely luxurious." At that time, brushes were not only tools for calligraphy and painting, but some were also artistic items for appreciation. The text describes that the decoration of the brush handle had reached perfection and fine craftsmanship, thus completing the conditions for appreciation. For example, ancient craftsmen could depict and engrave ingenious landscapes and figures on the circular surface of the brush handle, capturing the momentum of mountains and seas, fully demonstrating unique decorative interest. This met the conditions for appreciation. The brush with black lacquer, colorful lacquer, gilded cloud dragon, dragon and phoenix, and double dragon patterns in the Palace Museum is a typical example.

These brushes and brush cases are all coated with black lacquer as the base, with colorful lacquer used to paint mountains, seas, clouds, dragons playing with pearls. The sea is turbulent, the mountains stand tall, with waves crashing against the rocks, creating a sense of vastness and height. The few strokes vividly depict the grand scene, highlighting the majestic dragon flying through the sky, leaping through the clouds, and playing with the pearl, creating a powerful atmosphere. Moreover, the colorful lacquer painting is exquisite, with bright and harmonious colors, clear composition, and a well-arranged layout. The brush handle and case are inlaid with gold caps, adding a sense of luxury and elegance. The brush hair is smooth and glossy, round and solid, with a gourd-shaped tip that is sharp and elegant, showing exquisite craftsmanship and the four virtues of sharpness, evenness, roundness, and resilience. It is a testament to the brush-making level of the Ming Dynasty, a rare treasure among the Four Treasures of the Study, and a precious item for brush appreciation. Therefore, the key to appreciating brushes lies in examining the material of the brush handle and the artistic level of the brush handle's decoration, painting, carving, and inlaying. If the material and decoration are of high quality, the value will be higher.

To identify ancient brushes, one must first systematically understand and recognize the preserved relics and the history of brushes from various eras, grasping the rich cultural connotations. Determine the historical upper and lower limits of the brush, distinguish the regions where the brushes were made, grasp the characteristics of famous brush makers of each era, and determine whether they were made by the general public or were imperial court items, or whether they were produced by the imperial court or made by the court's workshop as tributes. Secondly, check the condition of the bristles. Then focus on the decoration of the brush handle, whether there are inscriptions by famous brush makers, or dedications and annotations by famous people. To determine the era of famous people, one must have rich scientific and cultural knowledge and literary skills to recognize their poetry, essays, and writings, thus enabling accurate identification of the era of an artifact and reflecting its value. Every kind of artifact has counterfeit imitations in different historical periods. As long as we enrich our knowledge, see more, learn more, and humbly seek advice from others, we can improve our ability to recognize and identify artifacts.