About 30 years ago, when I went to view the Nitten exhibition, I bought this brush from a brush maker who came from Kumano Town. It has no maker's mark, but it is a traditional craft item, likely made by a traditional craftsman (highest quality) using tanuki (raccoon dog) hair. Tanuki hair tends to hold its shape well and has excellent elasticity. There are two types of tanuki hair: white and black, with white being considered the highest quality. It's said to be ideal for kana calligraphy because it allows for beautiful brushstrokes.