Pour Taindre Peaulx En Aultre Maniere

This recipe is taken from the mid-16th century French manual 'Bastiment de receptes,' translated from Italian and published in Lyon in 1541. The book is a treasure trove of artisanal secrets and household wisdom—from perfumery and medicinal recipes to practical techniques like leather dyeing. At the time, artisans often used readily available materials, borrowing techniques from alchemical and apothecary practices. Leather was a precious commodity, and changing its color or patina was not only a matter of aesthetics but also of functional transformation, signaling social status or occupation.

The craftsman would use a mortar and pestle to grind or blend the filings if needed, a wooden or ceramic bowl for mixing, and perhaps a sturdy brush or cloth to apply the mixture to the leather surface. The drying would be done in a shaded, well-ventilated area, utilizing racks or suspended lines to avoid sunlight, which could damage the leather.