A tortillon is a small, rolled-up piece of paper or cloth used primarily in art for blending and smudging pencil, charcoal, or pastel drawings. It is typically tapered at one end, allowing artists to create smooth transitions and soft edges in their work. Tortillons are often made from tightly wound paper, which gives them a firm yet flexible texture. Artists use tortillons to achieve various effects, enhancing the depth and realism of their artwork. They are especially popular among those who work with charcoal, graphite, and pastels, as these mediums benefit from the blending capabilities of the tortillon.