Leather is one of the oldest materials used by humans. It is strong, flexible, and long-lasting. For thousands of years, people have turned animal hides into leather for clothing, tools, and decoration.
At J-Vision Leather, we are proud to be part of this long tradition. Based in Dongguan, Guangdong, China, we produce high-quality leathers such as Crazy Horse leather, Vegetable Tanned leather, Oil Wax leather, and more. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the history of leather crafting, from ancient times to modern day.
1. Leather in Prehistoric Times
Leather has been used since the Stone Age, around 500,000 years ago. Early humans hunted animals for food, and they found ways to use the hides too. They dried the hides in the sun or smoked them over fire to stop them from rotting. These early methods helped preserve the material.
People used leather to make:
• Simple clothes
• Shoes and sandals
• Shelter covers
• Bags to carry food or water
Even though the tools were simple, early humans found leather very useful. It protected them from cold, wind, and rain.
2. Leather in Ancient Civilizations
As people built more advanced societies, leather crafting also improved. Let’s look at how some famous ancient cultures used leather.
- Ancient Egypt
In Egypt, around 3,000 BCE, leather was used for sandals, belts, military gear, and even furniture. Egyptian craftsmen used plant oils and animal fats to soften hides. Leather was seen as a luxury material, used by the rich and powerful.
- Ancient Greece and Rome
Greeks and Romans also used leather widely. Roman soldiers wore leather armor and sandals. Greek craftsmen used leather to make book scrolls and writing cases. Leather was also used to make horse saddles and tools. By this time, tanning had become more advanced. People used natural materials like tree bark to tan the leather. This process made it more flexible and resistant to water and bugs.
3. Leather in the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages (500–1500 CE), leather became even more important. Leatherworkers formed guilds, or groups of craftsmen, to protect their skills and trade secrets.
Common uses for leather during this time:
• Shoes and boots
• Saddles for horses
• Armor and shields
• Book covers
• Bags and belts
Tanners used vegetable tanning methods that took many months. It was hard, dirty work, but the results were beautiful and long-lasting.
Leather was also used for writing parchment, especially before paper became common in Europe. Many old books and scrolls from this time were made from animal skins.
4. Leather in the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution
During the Renaissance (1400s–1600s), art and science grew. So did the demand for high-quality leather. Wealthy people wore leather gloves, hats, and fine shoes. Craftsmen became more skilled, and leather items became more decorative.
Later, during the Industrial Revolution (1700s–1800s), machines changed leather making forever. Tanning, dyeing, and cutting became faster and more efficient. Factories could now produce large amounts of leather for clothing, boots, tools, and even machinery parts.
New tanning methods were developed, including chrome tanning, which used chemicals and took only a few days. This method is still common today, although it can be harmful to the environment if not handled carefully.
5. Leather in the 20th Century
In the 1900s, leather continued to be used in many ways. It became very popular in:
• Fashion (jackets, shoes, bags)
• Furniture (sofas, chairs)
• Cars (leather seats and interiors)
• Sports (balls, gloves, gear)
World wars increased demand for leather boots, belts, and equipment for soldiers. After the wars, leather became a symbol of fashion and freedom, especially with the rise of motorcycle and rock-and-roll culture.
New types of leather were introduced, such as:
• Oil Wax leather – soft and glossy
• Crazy Horse leather – vintage and distressed look
• Patent leather – shiny and polished finish
As the market grew, so did concerns about the environmental impact of leather production. This led to more interest in eco-friendly tanning methods, such as vegetable tanning, and the recycling of leather scraps.
6. Leather Today
Today, leather is still loved around the world. It is strong, beautiful, and lasts a long time. At YuanJing Leather, we carry on this tradition while using modern, sustainable practices.
Leather is now used in:
• Fashion and luxury products
• Handmade crafts and accessories
• Home and office furniture
• Technology cases and covers
• Shoes, wallets, belts, and more
We offer many styles of leather, including:
• Vegetable tanned leather – natural, firm, and eco-friendly
• Crazy Horse leather – soft, durable, and rich in character
• Oil Wax leather – smooth, soft, and perfect for high-end goods
Our leather is made using safe, responsible methods. We recycle water, reduce waste, and follow global quality standards. We also believe in keeping the craft of leather alive through skilled workers and traditional care.
7. The Future of Leather Crafting
The future of leather is bright—but also more focused on sustainability and quality. Customers today want products that are:
• Made with care
• Good for the planet
• Strong and long-lasting
Many people are going back to handmade leather goods because they value craftsmanship. They want to know the story behind the product. That’s why we work closely with our customers to provide leather that fits their values and needs.
New technologies are also helping us create better leather with less waste. But the heart of leather crafting remains the same: skill, tradition, and love for the material.
Conclusion
Leather crafting has a long and rich history. From the first animal hides dried by fire to the beautiful, finished leathers we produce today, the craft has grown and evolved—but its importance has never changed.
At YuanJing Leather, we are proud to be part of this global story. We combine traditional methods with modern innovation to create leather that stands the test of time.
If you are looking for high-quality leather for your next project, contact us today. Let us help you create something beautiful—with leather that carries history in every fiber.