Spain -

" OLD TRADES ~ LEATHER EMBOSSERS."

Unique ~ MNH Stamp Sheet made with Real Leather !

Spanish philately advances unstoppable at the pace of innovation, both in its subject matter and in the design and printing of stamps and other philatelic products.

Proof of this is the stamp that is issued within the Old Crafts series, which for years has been one of the most anticipated by collectors since it highlights the work of these artisans who, despite the passage of time, continue to create with his hands unique and special pieces.

This year, the chosen trade is that of leather embossers.

The leather embosser designs and produces decorative pieces of leather, highlighting reliefs on its surface.

Leather is one of the materials that has had the greatest utility for humanity since its origins, both for personal use and for making objects. From pieces of clothing to objects to transport food, leather has been treated in many different ways and also, different techniques have been developed to manipulate and embellish it.

The embossing technique was introduced by the Arabs in Spain, where the Muslim heritage can be seen in many aspects of daily life. Over time, this method established itself in our country in an important way, even with Spanish skins being known as cordobanes.

Embossing is a work done by hand in which tools such as tracers, shapers or the burin are used.

First the idea is captured on paper or cardboard and then, with the leather wet, it begins to be engraved on it.

Today, although machines have taken over, as they do in many aspects of life, these manual works still offer true works of art and, most importantly, useful and functional.

Fortunately, the unmistakable smell of leather continues to flood small workshops in Spain that dodge the passage of time. 

The stamp, printed on leather, reproduces one of these unique and singular pieces.

The text at the bottom is a tribute to artisans:

"He who works with his hands and his mind is an artisan; he who works with his hands, his mind and his heart is an Artist.

Year: 2021.

(SPA26 ~ Outsd Pls Bx).