2300) The Leather Embossers, Spain: "Oficios Antiquos Stamp Series" ("Official Antiques Stamp Series"): Espana Correos (Spanish Post) has issued a Postage of 4.15 Euros titled "Oficios Antiguos Repujadores de cuero" ("Official Antique Leather Embossers Stamp"): Date/Year of Stamp issue: 25.10.2021:
I am writing a post on leather items after a gap of over two decades. When I was posted at a Leather Intensive Branch in Jajmau, Kanpur (UP) from 1997-1999, I had an opportunity to study the process of processing/tanning leather from the wet blue stage to its final stage for making fine leather for bringing out leather harnesses (for horses), belts, shoes, bags, handicrafts, combs and rubber bands (from the waste) etc. Even though the whole leather belt stank to the highest heavens, it took a while for me to get used to it and learn about the whole leather making process in great detail.
For the uninitiated:
Tanning is the process of treating skins and hides of animals to produce leather. A tannery is the place where the skins are processed.
Tanning hide into leather involves a process which permanently alters the protein structure of skin, making it more durable and less susceptible to decomposition, and coloring.
Before tanning, the skins are dehaired, degreased, desalted and soaked in water over a period of six hours to two days. Historically this process was considered a noxious or "odoriferous trade" and relegated to the outskirts of town.
To come back to my post, I was also appointed to head a committee set up by the District Administration for highlighting the "Evolution of the Leather Industry in Jajmau, Kanpur over the years and suggesting ways and methods for taking the industry forward during the coming decade".
Naturally, old memories were rekindled afresh, when I came across this Stamp Sheet printed on genuine leather by "Correos Espana" (Spanish Post) in their on-going annual series titled "Oficios Antiquos Stamp Series" ("Official Antiques Stamp Series").
The "Oficios Antiguos Stamp Series":
Spanish philately is making unstoppable progress at the pace of innovation, both in its subject matter and in the design and printing of stamps and other philatelic products.
As proof of this innovation is the stamp which has been issued as part of the "Oficios Antiguos Series", which for several years has been one of the most eagerly awaited stamp series by collectors, as it highlights the work of these craftsmen who, despite the passage of time, continue to create unique and special pieces with their hands.
This year, the chosen trade is that of leather embossers.
"Oficios Antiguos Repujadores de cuero" ("Official Antique Leather Embossers Stamp"):
Leather Embossers:
The leather embosser designs and produces decorative leather pieces, highlighting reliefs on their surface.
Leather is one of the most useful materials for mankind since its origins, both for personal use and for making objects.
From clothing to objects for carrying food and water, leather has been treated in many different ways and different techniques have been developed to manipulate and embellish it.
The technique of embossing was introduced by the Arabs in Spain, where the Muslim heritage can be seen in many aspects of daily life.
Over time, this method became established in Spain in an important way, even being known in Spanish leather as "Cordobanes".
Embossing is a work carried out by hand using tools such as tracers, modellers or the burin.
To begin with, the idea is shaped on a piece of paper or cardboard and then, with the leather wet, the embossing begins.
Present Day:
Although machines have taken over, as in many aspects of life, these manual works still offer true works of art and, most importantly, are useful and functional.
The unmistakable smell of leather still fills, small workshops in Spain, which are dodging the passage of time.
The Stamp:
This stamp has been printed on leather, and reproduces one of these unique and singular pieces. The Stamp has been printed by RCM-FNMT in 2021 and bears the Crowned M mark.
Interesting links to posts on Portugal and Spanish Coins and postage stamps on this blog:
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