CORDOVAN R.C. — ROCADO Leather
CORDOVAN R.C. — ROCADO LeatherCORDOVAN R.C.
ROCADO LeatherCordovan Born from Italian Tradition
Craftsmanship Passed Down to the Present Day
Located along the Mediterranean, central Italy's scenic Tuscany region, with Florence as its capital, has been a hub for Italian art and culture since the Renaissance. Leather crafting here boasts a history spanning over a thousand years, with traditional techniques passed down through generations. In Tuscany's Santa Croce, the workshop of ROCADO integrates these time-honored leatherworking methods, primarily used with cowhide, to craft fine cordovan leather.
Italian Cordovan, Nurtured by Mediterranean Climate
Leather tanning in Italy dates back to the 8th century BCE, attributed to the Etruscan civilization. By 1282, Florence had established a leather guild to set quality standards, gaining international acclaim. Today, tanning factories cluster along the Arno River, stretching from Florence to Pisa, with the leather-producing town of Santa Croce—a town of 15,000 residents and ROCADO's home—standing at the heart of the Italian leather industry.
A Strength in Integrated Production, Driven by a Tannery Pioneer
Founded in 1982 as a rawhide dealer, ROCADO initially imported and distributed raw hides, including hides from Polish farm horses. In recent years, the company started producing cordovan. In an industry where rawhide dealers and tanners typically remain separate, ROCADO's ability to control the process from rawhide procurement to final finish is a significant advantage. Handling large, high-quality hides enables ROCADO to create superior cordovan leather.
Applying Traditional Italian Leather Techniques to Cordovan Craftsmanship
Though rawhide dealers and tanners require distinct skills, knowledge, and equipment, ROCADO has mastered tanning techniques through extensive study and experimentation to create the ideal cordovan leather. Italian leather, renowned for its craftsmanship, ranks among the world’s top three leathers alongside British bridle leather and American cordovan. ROCADO's adaptability in incorporating Italy’s traditional leather techniques into cordovan crafting has been instrumental in its success.
Traditional Techniques Passed Down
in Italy
Supple Cordovan Created
with the Vacchetta Method
One of the key tanning methods passed down in Tuscany, where ROCADO is based, is the Vacchetta method. This process involves using tannins, polyphenols found in bark and leaves, blended with oils that penetrate the leather, yielding a supple yet firm material. The precise balance of tannins and oils varies by artisan, creating unique qualities in each leather piece and adding to the rich depth of Italian leather’s world-renowned craftsmanship.
