Ilija Kostov
Oak-bark tanned leather, stitched with linen.
Biography
Ilija is the last man in Bitola still tanning leather by the vegetable method — a process of up to twelve weeks, against two days in industrial tanning.
He inherited the workshop from his father in 1994. He makes traditional opinci, but also belts, bags and tool rolls, ordered by masters of other crafts as well.
- Location
- Bitola, Širok Sokak
- Workshop since
- 1994
The Craft
„Leather is not dyed. It takes its colour from time itself.“
He tans in pits with oak and juniper bark. He stitches by hand, saddle-stitch with waxed linen thread — a seam that outlasts the leather itself.
He uses no synthetic glues or dyes. The colour comes from the tanning and darkens over the years — not a flaw, but the way the object records its use.
Photographs & film
Contact
Reach the maker directly, or through our form.
- Location
- Bitola, Širok Sokak
- Telephone
- +389 70 000 005
- ilija@example.mk
Write a message
Whether you are seeking a bespoke piece, asking about a workshop, or simply wish to learn more — write to us.
Send a message