Writing Brush Pouch

Pillang is a pouch used to store and protect writing brushes by preventing hairs of the brushes from falling out or becoming brittle. Some pouches had a knotted cord long enough to be wrapped around the waist. The body of pillang was decorated elaborately with various designs. Its outer shell was usually made of patterned or plain satin, and layers of calico or white paper that were starched and stiffened were placed inside, and then lined. Its outer surface was embroidered with auspicious designs. A writing brush was sometimes inserted into a bamboo spindle covered with a lid and carried in pillang.