Quote:
Originally Posted by Conduit
Thanks for your input.
As far as I know Russian leather, topped with strong smelling birch oil, was a major export good from Russia in the 17th and 18th centuries because of its unmatched quality.
As the actual tanning and dying process has been lost since Russian Revolution it is understandable why pre-Revolution leather is so desirable.
Some pieces of the Russian leather recovered from Metta Catharina shipwreck has been sold at top price for both contemporary and restoration purposes.
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Thank you for remembering the wonderful story of the finds from the ship "Metta Catharina"! At present, the situation has changed somewhat. In 2011, the French researcher and restorer Elise Blouet, with the help of the famous British tannery J & FJ Baker, began serious work to find the lost secret of Russian leather. It's also an amazing story! For example, the researchers found that the wood of the Brazilian tree pernambuco was used as a dye. Just imagine it! In the 18th century! In Russia! Brazilian wood! Six years later, this work was completed with success! Today, J & FJ Baker produces Russian leather according to the original recipe and it is a hit with some of the world's most renowned leather goods manufacturers.