Collection: Antique Buffalo Leather

Antique buffalo leather is full-grain water buffalo hide, vegetable-tanned and finished by hand rather than coated, which is why the colour varies across panels and deepens with use. The panels we spec run 2.2mm to 3.5mm thick, against 1.0mm to 1.4mm for a standard top-grain cowhide upholstery. "Antique" is the tannery glaze on new hide, not the age of the leather. Nineteen pieces, $1,875 to $4,200, delivered in-room.

What we stock

Sofas, club chairs, armchairs and occasional seating, all in the same hide. Because the leather is uncoated, tonal shifts between arms, back and seat are expected rather than faults.

The buying decision

The question worth asking at this price is not the leather, it is what sits under it. Ask about the frame (kiln-dried hardwood, corner-blocked) and the spring deck (eight-way hand-tied against sinuous). Uncoated hide on a plywood frame will outlive the frame. Then decide whether variation is what you want: this leather is not colour-matched panel to panel, and that is the point of it.

Common questions

What is antique buffalo leather?

Full-grain water buffalo hide, vegetable-tanned and hand-finished. "Antique" describes the tannery treatment applied to new hide, not a vintage sofa.

Why is the colour uneven?

Because it is not coated. Each hide takes the finish differently, so arms, back and seat land at slightly different tones and even out with use.

How do I care for it?

Dust with a dry cloth. Condition once a year with a neutral balm, nothing coloured and nothing with silicone. Keep it out of direct sun.

Every order is delivered in-room, placed where you want it, and the packaging taken away.