Kolinsky sable-hair brush

The hair is obtained from the tail of the kolinsky (Mustela sibirica), a species of weasel, rather than an actual sable.

Kolinsky bristles tend to be pale red in colour with darker tips.

The weasel is not an animal that is raised well in captivity, and is generally isolated to the geographical region of Siberia.

Lesser grades of kolinsky sables are also frequently used in oil painting, and sometimes for glazing in acrylics.

[1][2] Beginning in 2013, shipments to the U.S. of kolinsky hair brushes were halted and in some cases seized by the U.S.