For many years, natural mongoose was considered a stiffer alternative to sable, with the advantage that it had more spring and so was better for moving heavy body color. However, the mongoose is now classed as an endangered species. Winsor & Newton have therefore developed Monarch - our synthetic alternative that mimics the characteristics of the natural hair. Monarch is made with the highest quality blend of polyester filaments to provide the ideal flexibility needed when working with heavy body color. Hog can sometimes be too stiff to blend color on the canvas, whilst sable may not be stiff enough to add texture, precision and detail - The flexibility of Monarch is in between hog and sable and so gives you the total control you need. Monarch brushes have seamless, corrosion resistant ferrules with long, rich brown stained handles.