Interlocked Bristle Flat Brush

Kolibri bristle brushes are handmade in Germany by Feurer & Sohn—one of the oldest brush manufacturers in Germany (established 1898). These natural bristle brushes are made from the finest Chungking (or Chongqing) unbleached hog bristles.

Natural Bristles

Natural hog bristles differ from other hairs because the tips of the bristles have split ends or "flags". The flag allows you to load more paint on the bristle brush and provides smoother brushing. What makes Chungking bristles unlike any other natural bristles is that they have a natural curve. Each brush is hand crafted with "interlocked" bristles, meaning the natural curves of the bristles are positioned inward toward the ferrule, which gives the brush a natural resistance to fraying and spreads medium to thick paints smoothly and evenly.

Pure hog bristle brushes are well suited for oil and acrylic paint when applying stiff paint. Natural bristle brushes also work well in fresco and encaustic painting.

Nickel-Plated Brass Ferrules

The ferrule of each Kolibri bristle brush receives two deep crimps. Deep crimping compresses the walls of the ferrule into the wooden handle, creating a mechanical lock that securely fastens the ferrule to the handle.

Hardwood Handles

The long ivory-colored polished handles are made of hardwood and are lacquer finished for long life. Only the best brush handles are dipped. They are made by lowering the handles first in primer, then twice in colored lacquer and finally in varnish—a total of four coats—for a lustrous durable finish. For ease of handling in both a pencil or palm grip, the hardwood handles are over 25 cm (10 in.) from the ferrule to handle end. The long handle permits you to stand back from the painting while working to have a better view of your subject.