Leather Craft

Mojris (or jootis or pagarkhiyas) is foot wear made in Rajasthan from locally cured leather. They are very well-known for the quality of workmanship and the variety and richness of design. They are entirely hand-crafted and are measured with the fingers.

The process followed is for different layers of the sole to be stuck with home-made glue. Once this is dry, the sole is stitched with cotton or leather thread. The upper portion is then embroidered by women who are very skilled at this. Plain or coloured piping is stitched to the edge of the inside portion of the upper form after the leather is dipped in water to make it soft. At every stage the leather is hammered to make the stitching and the pasting firm.

The Gesso Work of Rajasthan is world famous. Bikaner is the hub of Gesso work in the state and a fine sample of such treated camel leather decorations is displayed in the palace of the city. The camel-hide water casks of Bikaner, called Kopi, are probably the most commonly used gesso products.

Rajasthan has a long history in leather craft and industry and leather shoes known as jootis or mojdis are made in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Embroidery known as kashida is done on the jootis: in Jaipur it is first done on velvet which is then made to cover the shoes while in Jodhpur it is applied directly to the leather. This embroidery is mainly done by the women, who also do a bit of fancy stitching or appliqué work to give a designer look to the shoes that have neither a left or a right foot.

Leather is also used for bookbinding and Alwar is well reputed for this craft that flourished in the 19th century under Maharaja Banni Singh. Bikaner is again famous for its kopis or camel-hide water bottles.

Leatherware craft is famous in Agra and other parts of Uttar Pradesh. The leather industry thrives here and goods are exported all across the world. It is considered to be one of the main Crafts of Uttar Pradesh.

The hand made leather sandals or chappals of Kolhapur are famous all over the world. They are popular for their simple styles and comfort. The cost of the these sandals and chappals may differ depending upon the quality of leather and designs used. They are definitely worth buying.

Kolhapur is one of the few cities in Maharashtra that are renowned for being home to rich arts and crafts. Amongst its most popular crafts are its beautiful jewelry and extremely comfortable chappals (slippers). The chappals and sandals produced in the city are handmade and have leather as the preparing material. These chappals and sandals are so good looking and so comfy that they have become famous throughout the world.

One can have shoes or boots or leather coats made to measure in just a few days in Srinagar . The beautifully embroidered Suede coats are particularly interesting, but one has to put one's conscience in the back seat when it comes to the fur trim. The same goes for the many fur coats - fur should be left on the backs of its original owners. Animals such as Wolf, Fox, Jackal, Brown and Black Bear, Marmot, Leopard and Lynx are all being driven from the slopes of the Himalayas by hunters. And in any case the best furs are exported immediately.

Chamba district is famous for its leather-craft. The slippers made in Chamba are exceptionally comfortable and light. They are made of leather and are ideal for walking or hiking in the mountains. One can get them as plain or decorated in embroidered Lantana flowers, leaves and designs. New and different kinds of designs are used today to make decorative leather shoes, slippers, socks, belts, etc.

Traditional Chamba chappals (slippers), plain or embroidered, are exceptionally comfortable to wear.
They are embroidered with multicoloured threads – red, black, green, yellow and blue, and imitation zari (gold thread). Tourists seem to love them and this inspires craftspersons to experiment with patterns and designs.

During the Mughal period, Delhi was an important centre of leatherwork. Traditional leather jooties or ethnic footwear and slippers, which were sometimes ornamented with pearls, gold and silver were the piece beyond resistance. Embroidered bags, shoes, leather garments, leather seats, puffs or pidis were other popular items.

A fine example of contemporary art and craft, the Bengal leather crafts owe their widespread popularity and development due to some innovative work done by gifted artists at Santiniketan.