If there's a brush that proves Master Xu Laosan's skill as a brushmaker, this is it! I have an arsenal of western watercolor brushes that can't even come close to making as fine & delicate a line as this brush, and even if they can, they're usually synthetic. It makes some very interesting ax strokes, rose thorn shapes, twigs, & leaf veins. Very versatile. Treat it respectfully (not heavy-handed) & it'll show you what it can do for you. Thank you Master Xu & Henry for making these available in the States & elsewhere!