English: Writing implements during the Han include writing brushes, ink pellets, inkstones, writing knives, and slips. The brush displayed here is approximately 23.2 cm in length. The wooden shaft has been cut into four strips lengthwise allowing for the bristles to be placed and then bound with a thin cord and coated with lacquer to hold the hair in position. The end has also been cut into the shape of a cone. Historical documents and images indicate that this cone shape allowed for the brush, namely a zanbi (hairpin brush), to be used like a hairpin.