The finishing process on these hides gives the maker the option to show the color underneath when rubbed or burnished on the grain side. This allows for different effects to be achieved. An example of this technique is shown in photo 3.
Shrunken calf leather, also known as ‘shrunken grain,’ undergoes a specific tanning and finishing process in which the end result is a leather with a distinctive textured appearance. The process involves shrinking leather grain to create a unique pattern of wrinkles and creases.
These are second run hides which means some hides may have issues ranging from a color defect/variation to brands, holes, scarring, loose break, drawn grain, tannery swatch cuts, etc. While still considered seconds, these hides have been high sorted and have minimal defects.