The Chinese writing brush (毛笔, máobǐ) is one of the Four Treasures of the Study. Calligraphy (书法, shūfǎ) is considered a high art form and is still practiced widely today.
usage
笔 combines with specific types: 铅笔 (pencil), 钢笔 (fountain pen), 毛笔 (brush pen), 圆珠笔 (ballpoint pen). As a measure word for money: 一笔钱 (a sum of money).
