Origins of Kolinsky sable hair brushes Part 2 - Harvesting

Kolinsky Sable hair comes from the species called Mustela Siberica and the trade of its hair is managed by the provisions set out in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). 

The Hunt:
Trappers have caught Siberian weasels for the fur garment industry since the 16th century.  They must be trapped in the wild, as they must live in the freezing Siberian climate for their full winter fur coat to grow to the right length and thickness required.

The animals are protected in some areas and so there is probably a thriving illegal pelt trade.

To those who think that brushes are made from hair cut from the tip of the winter tail, and then left to grow back in 1 year cycle.  I'm sorry to inform you that that is just not true.  Escoda was the only brush manufacturer who confirmed that hair for making brushes is taken from dead animals. (Except for goats and ponies, which are shaved.)

These animals are killed, not killed solely for brushes, but for their skins to be made into coats etc.  The brushes are a byproduct of the fur trade, and are made from the tails.  Winsor & Newton confirm that natural hair brushes made by them are obtained from sustainable sources and animals are not sourced for the sole use of manufacturing their products.

Trappers lay out lines of leghold traps or snares.  Many weasels are caught and can be frozen solid before a hunter comes to retrieve them.

Locally, the weasels are considered pests because they kill farm chickens. Their meat is also commonly sold for dog food, little of the animal goes to waste. 

Farming: 
The weasel is not an animal that is raised well in captivity (unlike mink). There are some comflicting reports: some say these animals cannot be farmed and others report farms in eastern Russia and in Canada. Fur from farmed animals in warmer climates make inferior garments. Farming practices are generally not humane. 

Fur-traders /hair-dealers receives the pelts and tails of animals, 'dress' (de-grease, clean),  cuts and grades the fur. They bundle the fur by size and weigh and sells it to the brush manufacturer. The brushmaker is offered tail or pelts of different grades and mixtures. If he is not careful, however, he may unknowingly receive summer coat instead of winter coat, or other hair mixed in with the Kolinsky hair. 

Fur brushes are largely hand made. The tail fur of females are often used to blend a brush, but the male hairs are longer and more desirable. The hairs are individually selected to combine into a high quality brushes.

Origins of Kolinsky sable hair brushes Part 1 - The Animal

Kolinsky sable brushes are a misnomer. The animal it is made from is not sable at all, but Siberian weasel.

Kolinsky refers to a type of Asian weasel / mink.  Historically probably from the Kola Pinninsula of northwest Russia, near Finland.  Sable is a type of marten (small, sleek long animal).  They are in the same Family and are closely related animals.

Sable

Picture by Elena Lapshina

It's fur is coveted because it's smooth and glossy from every direction that it is stroked.  When stroked opposite the grain, fur from other animals feels rough. But enough of the sable.  Let's talk about paintbrushes. 

Kolinsky
aka Siberian weasel
aka kolonok
aka red sable

The Siberian weasel is an amazingly animal that lives in forests from Siberia to Eastern Asia.  It lives near rivers and lakes. It's a hunter. In some places, it's considered a pest because it kills chickens and muskrats in farms, more than it can eat.

The best hair comes from northern Siberia, where harsher winters means the winter coat is long and thick.


The Siberian weasel is NOT an endangered species.  I looked at WWF, IUCN and CITES to confirm this.  However, it is placed in the endangered animals category and is subject to CITEs.

Winsor & Newton says that its natural hair brushes are obtained from sustainable sources and animals are not sourced for the sole use of manufacturing its products.

What is your brush made out of?

There are no official brush naming conventions.  There is no legal obligation or any standard on the designation of the Kolinsky term.  Any natural hair brush could be made out of any animal.  This can be quite confusing when you're starting out. 

The law that protects endangered species (The Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1973-1977) is strictly enforced by the Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Agency. However the law that attempts to protect consumers against misrepresentation (The Fur Products Labeling Act of 1952-1980) is not taken seriously.  

For instance:
Natural brushes

Brushes called 'Kolinsky Red Sable' or just 'Kolinsky' are made of Siberian weasel.

Brushes labelled 'Red Sable', 'Fine Sable' or 'Sable' are not made from the 'Siberian Weasel', but from other animals in the weasel Family, usually the Weasel (Mustela navilas) or the Himalayan or Yellow weasels or Martens.

L to R: Rosemary & Co No. 7 Sable, No. 7 Kolinsky, No. 10 Sable

Brushes called "camel" do not come from camel but from ox, pony, squirrel, sheep or some other creature. Camel hair is unsuitable for brushes because it's too woolly. Pony hair is coarse hair that doesn't form a good point. Often used in cheaper brushes

Brushes called "sabeline" have nothing to do with sables but come from dyed Ox (cattle) hair. Long, strong and springy hair.

Brushes can be made out of squirrel. Cheaper than sable, squirrel is a soft hair with little spring. Larger squirrel brushes work better than smaller ones because the mass of hairs together gives them support. Hold amazing amounts of water / paint.

Brushes can be made out of mongoose.

Brushes can be made out of hog /bristle. The ultimate hard brush is made from the hairs on the back of a pig (hog), which are strong yet springy. The bristles have natural split-ends, which increases the amount of paint they hold. Used for oils and acrylics.

Brushes can be made out of goat. Lacks spring, but forms a good point. Used in calligraphy and Chinese Brush painting.

Synthetic Brushes

Some synthetic fur brushes may be a mixture of synthetic fibre and animal hair.

Some synthetic fur brushes have animal names: "Erminette", "White Sable", "Golden sable", "Taklon" but are made of synthetic polymer (nylon or polyester) filaments. 

Rex Art Aupplies: Choosing the proper brush