毛筆，是一種源于中國的傳統書寫工具，也逐漸成為傳統繪畫工具，被列為中國的文房四寶之一。1954年，從湖南長沙左家公山一座史前古墓里發掘出來了整套的書寫工具。這證明，在上古時期就已經有所謂毛筆了。

The writing brush, a traditional tool that originated in China, has evolved beyond a simple writing instrument to become a key element of Chinese painting. It is considered one of the "Four Treasures of the Study" in Chinese culture. In 1954, a complete set of writing tools was discovered in a prehistoric tomb at Zuojiagong Mountain in Changsha, Hunan Province, evidencing the brush’s existence in ancient times.

歷史上有秦代蒙恬造筆的傳說。相傳蒙恬用兔毫、竹管制筆，制筆方法是將筆桿一頭鏤空成毛腔，筆頭毛塞在腔內，毛筆還外加保護性大竹套，竹套中部兩側鏤空，以便于取筆。蒙氏造筆后統稱為筆，因此毛筆中有其最為著名的一種毛筆，即“蒙筆”，又稱“蒙恬精筆”、“侯筆”。

Legend has it that Meng Tian invented the brush during the Qin Dynasty. He is said to have crafted the brush using rabbit hair and bamboo. The process involved hollowing out one end of the bamboo to create a cavity, into which the hair was inserted. The brush was then protected by a bamboo cover, designed with hollowed-out sections for easier handling. These early brushes, referred to as "pens" in ancient times, eventually led to the creation of one of the most famous types—the "Meng Pen," also known as the "Meng Tian Fine Brush" or "Hou Pen".

毛筆作為中華文明的核心載體，參與了甲骨卜辭、竹簡文書、紙質典籍的全程記錄，使漢字從實用符號升華為藝術體系，更塑造了中國藝術獨特的美學范式，這種從物質技藝到精神價值的完整傳承鏈，使毛筆超越工具屬性，成為中華文明活態傳承的微觀樣本。

The brush, as a cornerstone of Chinese civilization, has been essential in recording key texts such as Oracle bone inscriptions, bamboo slips, and paper manuscripts. Over time, it helped transform Chinese characters from simple symbols into an artistic form, contributing to the unique aesthetic of Chinese art. This deep connection between craftsmanship and cultural values has elevated the brush beyond a tool, making it a living symbol of China’s enduring cultural legacy.

責編：易卓