Vintage Romanian Chimir Wide Leather Folk Costume Belt Maramures Bucovina and... For Sale

the Craft World Tours Collection Vintage Romanian Chimir Wide Leather Folk Costume Belt Maramures Bucovina ★ THE CRAFT WORLD TOURS COLLECTION: LAUNCH SPECIAL ★

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Overview

A Romanian chimir (also called șerpar): the wide, folded-leather work and money belt worn with men's folk costume in northern Romania. This example is likely from Maramureș or Bucovina and likely dates to around the 1970s. The lining is inscribed in Romanian “cu flori / nr. 8” (“with flowers, no. 8”), likely a workshop or seller's style number. From the Craft World Tours Collection; consistent with the 2008 Winter Traditions of Romania tour, which was based in Câmpulung Moldovenesc in Bucovina before continuing to the Maramureș Winter Festival.

Design & Craftsmanship

• Function & Form: 39" long and 6" wide, about 12" in diameter when closed. Heavy leather shaped to curve around the waist, closing with three straps and three steel roller buckles. A flapped front pocket closes with a brass snap.
• Artistry & Ornamentation: Floral and vine scrolls, rosettes and feather motifs on the front panels; stacked diamonds on the end panels; chevron bands on the strap tongues. The motifs are worked in thin colored strips threaded through slits cut in the leather, so they stand in a flattened, satin-stitch-like relief. Brass eyelets run along both edges, with brass dome studs on the end panels.
• Structural Base: Stitched tan leather lining carrying the “cu flori / nr. 8” inscription.

Condition Report

• Surface Condition: Normal wear to the strap tongues. Scattered ink spots on the lining and crazing to the black finish under the pocket flap.
• Structural Integrity: Buckles, snap and eyelets intact; leather sound. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Craft World Tours Collection.

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