The Russian name for the finest breed of mink which naturally lives in the far eastern parts of Siberia. The tip of the tail provides the best watercolor brush hairs known. Unfortunately mink is expensive and these hairs are the most expensive materials for making brushes. The good news is that cutting the tip of the tail hairs causes no discomfort for the animal, and they soon grow back.

Brushes made from pure Kolinski have a unique ‘spring’, both soft and strong at the same time. Hair for hair they will hold more water than any other fiber which means less dipping into your watercolor, more time applying the the color. Pure Kolinski ‘points’ perfectly and has a characteristic black color change in the hair towards the tip. ( Kolinski may also be spelt as Kolinsky )