Ox hair

Description

The long, thin, stiff hairs from the ears of ruminating mammals, such as oxen or cattle (Bos taurus). Ox ear hair is used in large artist brushes because it is firmer and less floppy than red sable. These less expensive brushes are used for architecture rendering and watercolor painting. The brushes are strong and springy but will not come to a point because of the hair's cylindrical shape.

Synonyms and Related Terms

ox ear hair

Physical and Chemical Properties

Available in two colors: tan or dark brown

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 387

• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)

• Zora Sweet Pinney, 'A Handle on the Terms used for Artists' Brushes', unpublished glossary, 1999