The Last Brush Maker

Mr. Hu Chengming in his home/workshop

I was six years old when I made my first brush. My father taught me. In 1956, he was one of the first workers at the state-owned Lifushou brush making factory here at Liulichang. And I ended up being the last one. I took over from my father in 1979. In those days, parents were encouraged to retire in order to leave their positions for their children. At our peak, we had 800 workers at the factory. But up through the 1990s, it became harder and harder for our handmade brushes to compete with the cheaper, machine-made ones. Workers were laid off one by one and finally I was the only one left in production. What saved my position for so long is the fact that I can make a brush from top-to-bottom, not just different parts. In fact, when I retired three years ago all production stopped at the Lifushou brush making factory. But I still make brushes. Making brushes is my life.

- Hu Cheng Ming