Sonnenleder bank bag "Rilke" black

The "Rilke" briefcase by Sonnenleder is a slim document bag crafted from purely vegetable-tanned cattle leather, hand-processed in Germany. The leather is tanned without synthetic chemicals – instead, tannins from tree bark, roots and fruit are used, giving the material a firm, tactile structure. Dyed deep black, the "Rilke" displays a calm, dense surface that develops a unique patina with each year of use. The format is designed for A4 documents: slim enough for daily carry, spacious enough for everything that truly needs to go with you.

Features

• Purely vegetable-tanned cattle leather, hand-processed in Germany: Tanning without chromium salts or synthetic additives produces a firm, substantial leather with natural grain – no two pieces are identical. Hand-processing is evident in clean edges and even stitching.
• Deep, consistent black: The dye penetrates the leather, not just the surface. The result is a matte, warm black that gains depth over time rather than fading.
• One main compartment, secured by zip closure: The compartment accommodates A4 documents, folders and loose sheets entirely – no bending, no protrusion. The zip keeps contents secure without bloating the bag's silhouette.
• Patina instead of wear: Vegetable-tanned leather responds to light, heat and touch. The surface becomes denser and develops shine at grip points – a process that makes the piece more personal over time.
• Flat format for focused carrying: 37 × 26.5 cm – sized for A4 without spare room for unnecessary volume. The bag remains flat even when well filled and can be tucked under the arm or slipped into a larger bag.

Use & Tips

• For documents that need organisation: Loose sheets, stapled folders, A4 notebooks or slim ring binders fit in the main compartment. The compartment is undivided – those wanting structure can insert a clipboard or cardboard sheet.
• Leather care for black vegetable-tanned leather: Uncoloured or black conditioning wax or clear leather fat keeps the surface supple and protects against moisture. Apply sparingly, let it soak in, polish with a soft cloth. Avoid water-based sprays, which permanently seal the leather's pores.
• As a carrier for drawing tools or writing instruments: Those transporting A4 sketch paper, tracing paper or drawing materials protect them better in a solid leather case than in thin plastic folders.
• Break it in: Fresh vegetable-tanned leather is still relatively stiff. With regular use and a little leather fat, the bag becomes more supple and adapts to your usual contents.

For Leather Enthusiasts

Vegetable tanning – also called vegetable or oak tanning – works with tannins from plant materials such as oak bark, spruce bark or quebracho wood. The process takes significantly longer than industrial chrome tanning and produces a firmer, more substantial leather with natural grain. Sonnenleder uses exclusively this method and hand-processes the material in Germany. The black leather of the "Rilke" is dyed throughout, not just surface-coated – this makes it more resistant to scratches, which on coated leather would expose the underlying colour. The dimensional stability of vegetable-tanned leather ensures the bag maintains its flat silhouette even after years of use.

Technical Specifications