Balam Snap Card Holder (Reverse Culatta Black)
Designed for those who value simplicity with a touch of understated sophistication, our our Balam Card Holder is a refined take on a timeless accessory. Handcrafted from Italian culatta horse leather in matte black—a finish known for its chaotic shifts in hue and texture. With time, the leather develops a rich patina, ensuring every piece tells its own story.
Featuring a sleek snap closure and a compact bi-fold silhouette, the Snap Card Holder holds up to 6 cards within two thoughtfully designed slots. Each piece is meticulously saddle-stitched and finished with solid brass hardware, combining durability with elegant craftsmanship.
Made to Order
Each AO piece is crafted upon request, not pulled from stock.
Natural Variations
No two will ever be the same. Subtle shifts in tone, texture, and finish reflect the life of the leather and the hand that worked it. These variations are not flaws — they are the essence of what makes every piece singular.
DIMENSIONS
Width: 10.5 cm
Height: 7 cm
ABOUT OUR HORSE LEATHERS
Horse leather is a revered material celebrated for its distinctive qualities, unmatched character, and ethical origins. As a byproduct of the food industry in Italy, this leather not only embodies the artistry of Italian craftsmanship but also reflects a commitment to sustainability by repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste. This mindful approach ensures that every part of the hide is honored and utilized, adding depth to the story behind each piece.
Derived from the hind section of the hide, culatta (butt) is a specialized cut that includes the area just above the prized shell cordovan, along with parts of the belly and hind shanks. This unique combination creates a leather with a dense structure, tight grain, and a medium-to-firm temper, offering exceptional durability and versatility.
What sets culatta apart is its naturally irregular texture, which varies across the hide. On the reverse (flesh) side, subtle traces of shell cordovan bleed into the fibers, creating a chaotic yet captivating appearance. These grain irregularities give each piece made from culatta its own story, ensuring that no two items are ever the same. The natural beauty of this leather shines through its imperfections, showcasing a raw elegance that resonates deeply with aficionados of avant-garde fashion and timeless craftsmanship.
Thanks to its high oil content, culatta leather develops a rich patina over time, enhancing its natural luster and evolving with use. This transformation often results in a finish that appears almost metallic, making it a truly dynamic material.
We work hand-in-hand with tanneries in Italy to procure our leathers, sourcing only the finest quality materials the country has to offer.
ABOUT OUR HARDWARE
This item features solid brass hardware, known for its strength and resistance to corrosion. Pieces featuring a black finish will naturally wear over time, gradually revealing the rich brass beneath—creating a unique patina that reflects its journey with you. This transformation is an intentional characteristic of the material, adding depth and individuality to each piece.
SHIPPING & PRODUCTION TIME
Unless otherwise stated in the description, each piece is meticulously handmade to order, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. Please allow 7-14 business days for production before your order is shipped.
ONE OF A KIND
Each piece is a testament to the beauty of natural materials and artisanal craftsmanship, so no two are ever exactly alike. The hand-dyed treatment, vegetable tanned process and natural grain of the leather mean variations in texture and tone are to be expected—and celebrated. These characteristics are part of what makes your item truly one of a kind.
