East Indian leather is a type of vegetable-tanned leather that is produced in the Trichy and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its high quality, durability, and beautiful natural finish.
East Indian leather is made using a traditional tanning process that has been used for centuries. The hides are first soaked in a solution of lime and water to remove the hair and flesh. They are then tanned in a solution of natural tannins, such as babool bark and myrobalan nuts. This process takes several weeks, and it results in a leather that is strong, supple, and water-resistant.
East Indian leather is used to make a wide variety of products, including shoes, handbags, belts, and wallets. It is also used to make furniture and other home décor items.
East Indian leather is prized for its unique qualities. It is strong and durable, yet it is also soft and supple. It has a beautiful natural finish that can be polished to a high shine, or it can be left in its natural state for a more rustic look.
East Indian leather is also a sustainable product. The tanning process is natural and environmentally friendly. The hides are sourced from local farms, and the leather is produced in small batches by skilled artisans.
Why is it named as “East Indian Leather” ?
East Indian leather is named after the East India Company, a British trading company that was founded in the 17th century. The East India Company was responsible for much of the trade between Europe and India, and it played a major role in the development of the Indian leather industry.
In the early 1800s, the East India Company discovered the traditional method of vegetable tanning that was being used in hundreds of well-established tanneries in South India. The British army was impressed with the quality of East Indian leather, and they began using it to make their boots and saddles.
The demand for East Indian leather grew rapidly in the 19th century, and it became one of the most popular types of leather in the world. East Indian leather was used to make a wide variety of products, including shoes, handbags, belts, and luggage.
Today, East Indian leather is still highly prized for its quality and durability. It is used to make a wide variety of products, and it is exported to all over the world.
Even though the East India Company no longer exists, the name “East Indian leather” has stuck. It is a reminder of the long and rich history of the Indian leather industry.
Why is it special ?
- High quality and durability: East Indian leather is known for its high quality and durability. It is made using a traditional vegetable tanning process that results in a leather that is strong, supple, and water-resistant.
- Beautiful appearance: East Indian leather has a beautiful natural finish that can be polished to a high shine, or it can be left in its natural state for a more rustic look.
- Sustainable production process: East Indian leather is a sustainable product. The tanning process is natural and environmentally friendly. The hides are sourced from local farms, and the leather is produced in small batches by skilled artisans.
- GI tag recognition: East Indian leather was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2012. This means that only leather made in the Trichy and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu, India can be called East Indian leather. The GI tag was awarded to East Indian leather because of its unique qualities, which are due to the specific geographical region in which it is made
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