Shantiniketan Leather Goods are exquisite handcrafted leather products from Santiniketan and surrounding villages near Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) tagged product in July 2007 under the GI Act 1999 (Class 18 Handicraft Goods, application number 509), these goods reflect the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Bengal.

Key Features:

• Material: Made from vegetable-tanned East India (E.I.) leather, primarily sheepskin or goatskin, known for its durability and ability to retain embossed motifs permanently. The leather is dyed with natural, vegetable-based pigments, ensuring eco-friendly production
• Craftsmanship: The leather undergoes a meticulous process involving washing, tanning in wooden vats, drying, and cutting. Designs are hand-embossed using metal dies and painted with spirit or vegetable-based colors, often featuring traditional motifs like floral patterns, geometric shapes, or mythological themes (e.g., Radha-Krishna, elephants). A lacquer finish adds a glossy, long-lasting sheen.
• Products: A diverse range includes handbags, purses, wallets, coin bags, pouches, jewelry boxes, pencil boxes, eyeglass covers, cushion covers, sandals, mobile covers, and laptop bags. These items are both functional and aesthetically appealing, blending traditional and modern styles.
• Techniques: The craft involves handblock printing, embossing, and touch dyeing, with artisans using tools like hammers, brushes, and wooden blocks. The leather’s smooth, glossy finish and vibrant colors are enhanced by burnishing and lacquer application, ensuring durability and resistance to mold.
• Cultural Significance: Originating in the 1940s under the patronage of Rabindranath Tagore and his family at Visva-Bharati University’s Rural Reconstruction initiative, this craft was developed as a cottage industry in villages around Santiniketan. It reflects Bengal’s artistic legacy and Tagore’s vision to revive traditional crafts.

Unique Aspects:

• The leather’s ability to retain embossed designs without creasing or wrinkling distinguishes it from other leather products. Genuine Shantiniketan leather is soft yet durable and resistant to burn marks.
• The craft is labor-intensive, with each piece handcrafted by skilled artisans, often from marginalized communities, preserving traditional techniques while supporting local economies.