Brush

MFA Acc. #: 2006.550

Description

A tool composed of a handle holding natural or synthetic bristles. Brushes are used for cleaning, grooming, polishing, writing, or painting. Natural bristles are obtained from the back or shoulders of swine (hogs, pigs, or boars). They can be white, yellow, bronze, gray, or black. From the 16th century to 1917, Russia was the major exporter of brush bristles (usually white). China began exporting natural black bristles in 1889 to the U.S. and these quickly gained in popularity. Currently most natural hair bristles come from India. A flag, or split end, adds to the paint carrying ability of the bristle. Some plant fibers, such as piassava, are also used for brush bristles. Synthetic bristles are various stiff monofilament fibers such as fiber nylon and polyethylene.

Red sable Conservator Brushes

Synonyms and Related Terms

brushes; brosse

Additional Images

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  White Goat Hair Brushes

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  Hake Brush

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  Mizubake Water Brush with Deer Hair Bristles

Authority

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "brush." Encyclopdia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopdia Britannica Premium Service 18 Mar. 2005 .

• The Dictionary of Art, Grove's Dictionaries Inc., New York, 1996

• F. Kidd, F. Kidd, Brushmaking Materials, Bristish Brush Manufacturers, London, 1957

• Zora Sweet Pinney, Zora Sweet Pinney, 'A Handle on the Terms used for Artists' Brushes', unpublished glossary, 1999