Talented artisans at Handicraft Villa in India make these classic buffalo leather wallets and accessories.
THEIR CREDENTIALS…
Known as “The House of Artisans”, they were established in 2009 in Jaipur, Rajasthan and are a manufacturer, supplier and exporter of high quality leather goods.
Under the leadership of the company owner, Mr. Dharmendra Kumawat, the organisation conforms to Fair Trade principles and they are members of Sedex – one of the world’s leading ethical trade service providers
working to improve working conditions in global supply chains.
Handicraft Villa are currently working towards being a member of the Fair Trade Forum India
and are visited and audited twice a year to make sure they are following Fair Trade principles & practices.
THE PRODUCTION PROCESS…
It’s interesting to note that the processing of raw skins to the finishing of the product is done with little use of machinery,
as the use of new techniques considerably reduces the odour of the leather while it is prepared.
Raw buffalo skins are sourced from the nearby towns of Nasirabad and Raipur.
They are first soaked in a solution of lime (choona) and sodium sulphate for about 15 to 20 days.
This removes hair from the raw skin and prepares it for further processing.
The hides are stitched at the edges with a local grass, known as moonj
and filled with salt water and babool bark powder for the process of veg-tanning.
This solution is changed around 10 to 15 times, until the hide becomes stable and watertight.
The hides are then sun dried and polished with oil.
After some scraping of the underside and dyeing, the hide is ready to be turned into the finished article, which lasts years and ages beautifully.
Close up of the hand tools being used
THE WORKFORCE…
Designers, craftsmen, quality control, sales all working together.
Each leather item is handmade following a complex process which involves both male & female workers.
By purchasing one of these products you are helping continue the work of these producers and help maintain traditional skills & practices in this part of India.
Artisans at at work in the production unit
THE PRODUCT…
Using real leather means that you may find creases, small marks or blemishes on the wallet and some small differences
in colour shade from the one illustrated.
This demonstrates the natural character of leather and gives a unique quality and appearance to each one.
The leather is protected with natural oils to give it a lovely rich finish and ensures it is hard-wearing.
With age, the leather will soften and the bumps and knocks they will get will create even more character.
This classic brown buffalo leather handmade men`s wallet has been crafted by hand with great quality real leather,
which has been treated and oiled to create a beautiful, hard-wearing finish.
Check out all the products that I sell from Handicraft Villa.
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