Maryam Toscanello Horsebutt is a distinctive reddish-brown leather color offered by the renowned Italian tannery Conceria Maryam. Named after the traditional Toscanello cigars of Tuscany, this vegetable-tanned horsebutt leather combines the heritage of Italian craftsmanship with the exceptional characteristics of vachetta tanning methods.
Toscanello presents as a medium reddish-brown tone with subtle variations between hides. Initially, the leather displays a light milk chocolate appearance with a matte finish characteristic of vachetta tanning. The TPR (oil, wax, and resin) finish applied to this horsebutt leather provides a rich glaze that makes the reddish undertones prominent from the beginning, distinguishing it from the more subdued initial appearance of unfinished vachetta.
The leather's surface exhibits the typical irregular texture and dense grain structure associated with premium horsebutt, occasionally featuring areas of shell cordovan within individual hides. This natural variation contributes to each piece's unique character and visual appeal.
The name "Toscanello" pays homage to the famous Toscano cigars produced in Lucca, Tuscany—located relatively close to Maryam's home base of Santa Croce sull'Arno. Toscanello cigars, traditionally half-smoked versions of full Toscano cigars, represent a deeply rooted Italian cultural practice and embody the rich, earthy tones that characterize this leather color.
This naming convention reflects Conceria Maryam's commitment to celebrating regional Tuscan heritage while creating products that capture the essence of traditional Italian craftsmanship.
Maryam Toscanello Horsebutt features the following technical characteristics:
Thickness: 6oz (2.4mm) ± 0.3mm
Tannage: Vegetable tanned using traditional methods
Grade: Full grain, top quality
Finish: Full aniline with TPR coating
Texture: Dense and firm with slight suppleness
The TPR finish consists of a carefully balanced mixture of oils, waxes, and resins that provides the leather with its signature lustrous appearance while maintaining the natural characteristics that allow for exceptional aging properties.
Toscanello Horsebutt is renowned for its exceptional aging characteristics. The vegetable tanning process, combined with the aniline dyes and TPR finish, creates a leather that develops a distinctive patina over time. Initially matte areas gradually darken and develop increased luster, particularly in high-wear zones where the leather naturally burnishes to a rich shine.
The aging process follows typical vachetta behavior patterns—the leather becomes more supple while darkening overall, and areas subject to frequent handling or friction develop the coveted rolls and creases characteristic of premium horsebutt rather than the sharp creases associated with cowhide.
This natural evolution allows each item crafted from Toscanello Horsebutt to develop a unique patina that reflects its owner's usage patterns, creating pieces that become more beautiful and characterful with age.
Due to its durability and aesthetic appeal, Toscanello Horsebutt is highly sought after for premium leather goods applications. Its firm yet supple nature makes it particularly suitable for:
High-end footwear construction
Luxury leather goods and accessories
Artisanal crafts requiring durable materials
Items intended for long-term use and patina development
The leather's ability to maintain structural integrity while developing rich patina makes it especially prized by craftspeople and consumers who appreciate materials that improve with age and use.
Viberg - Service Boot Toscanello Horsebutt - Manufacturing application and characteristics
RM Leather Supply - Maryam Horsebutt TPR - Technical specifications and properties
Toscanello Cigars Official Site - Cultural context and naming origin
[Wikipedia - Toscano Cigars](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toscano_(cigar)>) - Historical significance and Tuscan heritage
Guarded Goods - Product Description - Commercial application examples