KOLINSKY

True kolinsky comes from Siberia or Manchuria. China, however, produces some excellent specimens of China mink (Chinese weasel) that have all the characteristics of kolinsky and are often sold as such. Because the hair is shorter, these Chinese skins are more practical for coats, the genuine kolinsky being more appropriate as trimming.

To distinguish between the various type minks from Siberia, Northern China and Japan, the Fur trade has adopted the names – Kolinsky, Chinese Weasel, China Mink and Jap Mink.

All kolinsky Furs are marketed without tails. These are converted into artists’ paint brushes (a sizable industry in itself).