Oil tanned leather

Description

An old tannage method in which an oxidizable oil or fat is rubbed into an animal skin. Raw cod liver oil, animal fats and egg yolks have been used. The oil or fat undergoes an exothermic oxidation reaction in which it combines with the skin fibers. Chamois leather is tanned with cod liver oils. Eskimos used a paste made from brains, liver, and hot water to tan leather.

Synonyms and Related Terms

oil tannage; pele curtida a óleo (Port.); cuero curtido al aceite (Esp.); pele curtida a oleo (Port.)

Resources and Citations

• H.Kuhn, Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art and Antiquities, Butterworths, London, 1986.