Beijing Hotels: Nearby Brahma Samghrma Leather Products Shop

Brahma Samghrma sounds more Indian than Chinese, doesn't it? I supposed I would see tons of Indian exotic items, but it turns out that the shop owner and business starter is a 100% Chinese artist.

This shop, not far from a host of prime Beijing hotels, specializes in handmade leather items near Back Lake area. Beyond the narrow entrance door, a leather smell guides me to a clean sales spot under floor.

When I browsing through the shop, the shop owner, Ms Tang, introduced her "baby" (the shop) enthusiastically. 

Ms. Tang is very proud of her shop, saying all the products created by Samghrma are unique. Literally, there is only one copy of each product in stock.

I noticed that the patterns used on the leather are simple: just a few lines or metal circles to decorate. Like the lotus blossom wallet. The design is hand carved and dyed. So elegant, yet very practical. Made in 100% deer skin, it's pretty soft. Mrs. He told me its design was inspired by oriental ink paintings and the beauty of the lotus flower.

I also like the notebook with theme of "lovers in a starry night". The original version was dark blue, the color of the skies at night. It was designed by one of Samghrma customers. Another customer found the design lovely, and asked the shop to make the same but in a different color, light yellow. You see, all customers can be artists at Samghrma!

When our conversation turned to the shop itself, the owner added that they see a lot of repeat business due to the quality of the leathers they select. Like the motto at Samghrma says: We offer not just products, but a way of life.