Csaba Pankotai

Leather meets folklore

• Csaba’s grandfather taught him the craft
• Heritage and modernity mix in all his creations
• He is always on the lookout for innovative techniques to use

For leatherworker Csaba Pankotai, the passion for leather runs in the family: he got a taste for the craft at the shoemaker shop of his grandfather when he was only 12, after creating a simple bag. Since then, leatherwork has not only been his profession but also his passion. He crafts masterfully made leather outfit accessories in his small workshop in the heart of Budapest for all genders and ages, and sometimes he also experiments with revolutionary techniques such as seamless leatherwork. He draws inspiration from age-old heritage and deems it important to keep traditions alive, but he also believes that it cannot come at the expense of wearability.

Interview

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When did you know leatherwork was your calling?

My first encounter with leather materials occurred when I was 12. I created a bag in my grandfather’s shoemaker shop, and as I marvelled at the finished product, I sensed a feeling I had never felt before. Now I know it was the joy of creation.

Where do you find inspiration for creation?

In Hungary there is a strong connection between leatherwork and folk art, so my main source of inspiration is the heritage our forefathers left behind. But a simple object, an exciting shape or pattern can also ignite the spark of creation. Nevertheless, I try to always respect the boundaries of the raw material.

Are there any special techniques you master?

Once I created a bag without using any needlework. This intriguing seamless technique was so distinctive because of the special jointing module I applied to put together the different parts. I originally saw this technique used on old bark pots, and thought it could work impeccably in leatherwork as well.

Is it important to infuse tradition with innovation?

When designing my creations, I always strive to use patterns and methods of folk art. These are treasures that we cannot afford to lose by ignoring them. Yet, if we want our goods to be marketable, it is essential to offer products that are appropriate for today’s needs in their forms and shapes.

Csaba Pankotai is a master artisan: he began his career in 1998 and he started teaching in 2005

Works

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©All rights reserved

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