Russia calf
- Scope note
- Red or reddish-brown calf originally produced in Russia and introduced into western Europe in the 17th century, vegetable-tanned with willow, poplar, or larch bark and curried on the flesh side with extract from birch bark, which gave it a characteristic pleasing odor thought to repel insects. It was often finished with a diced pattern. Between 1780 and 1830 it was highly prized for bookbinding, "Russia leather" was made in imitation of it.
- Date of creation: 29-Apr-2024
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024