The Escoda Opera (Takatsu) brushes are made with a synthetic filament with a feel that artists agree is almost identical to that of traditional sable, but much hardier. These synthetic brushes have a natural look with a medium stiffness making it an ideal choice for oil and acrylic painting. The Escoda curing process creates a brush head that consistently snaps back to its original shape. The beautiful long, red-lacquered wood handle is triple crimped to the nickel-plated brass ferrule. Available in Bright, Filbert and Round styles. In Barcelona, Spain a small family business focuses on an exceptionally large ambition – to handcraft the finest artist brushes in the world. Since 1933, when Josep Escoda Roig founded the company, three generations of Escoda have served the most discerning artists. Always combining the finest raw materials with obsessive craftsmanship, Escoda brushes are appreciated for their attention to detail and their lasting performance. The family’s pride can be felt in every brush stroke. All artists can enjoy the satisfaction of creating with Escoda. With brushes for ceramic, faux finishing, and even make-up artists, Escoda stretches far beyond its exhaustive selection for watercolor, acrylic, and oil painters. The finest raw materials available are used in each category of brush. A triple crimp, an exclusive trademarked Escoda design, is used for each brush. This ensures that the ferrule remains fixed to the handle for a lifetime of use. Each handle is perfectly balanced to fit each brush head size. The handles are formed to provide an ergonomic fit for the artist. Each brush head is “cured” in a way unique to Escoda that enhances the natural characteristics of the hair or filament. This locks the hairs n place and creates a permanent shape and increases the natural spring and resilience of every brush.