Hieronymus Apparatus takes the original mask into a more mechanical direction. The elongated leather face is paired with a shoulder-mounted canister, flexible corrugated hose, warm tinted lenses, and exposed metal fittings, creating a piece that feels part plague doctor, part imagined apparatus.

Made from Italian vegetable-tanned leather and finished entirely by hand in Bucharest, each piece is cut, shaped, dyed, stitched, and assembled by Vasile and Pavel Vasilache.

Details

• Italian vegetable-tanned leather
• Hand-dyed reddish-brown finish with natural tonal variation
• Tinted polycarbonate lenses
• Solid brass hardware throughout the leather construction
• Hand saddle-stitched with waxed thread
• Adjustable leather head straps with brass buckles
• Shoulder-mounted leather canister
• Flexible corrugated black hose
• Metal vent fitting on the beak
• One size, adjustable to fit most adults
• Custom sizing available on request
• Made to order
• Handcrafted in Bucharest, Romania

The Object

Hieronymus takes its name from Hieronymus Bosch, whose paintings are filled with strange machines, hybrid creatures, and objects that seem to belong to worlds with their own internal logic.

This version leans further into that atmosphere. The familiar plague-doctor profile is extended with a separate canister, hose, and exposed fittings, giving the mask a more industrial and almost ceremonial character.

The warm leather, dark hose, tinted lenses, and brass details create a strong contrast of materials, with subtle references to gothic, steampunk, and dark-art aesthetics without turning the piece into a conventional costume prop.

The Canister & Hose Assembly

The cylindrical canister is made from leather and worn at the shoulder on an adjustable strap. A flexible corrugated hose runs from the canister to the side of the mask, connecting the two elements into a single composition when worn.

Metal connectors and leather fittings are integrated into the construction, so the additional components feel like part of the object rather than accessories attached afterwards.

The canister and hose are sculptural elements only. They do not provide air filtration, and the mask is not intended or certified as respiratory protective equipment.

Made by Hand

The mask and canister begin as separate pieces of flat vegetable-tanned leather. Panels are cut and shaped by hand, then individually dyed before assembly.

The reddish-brown finish is built up manually, allowing darker and lighter areas to develop naturally across the surface. Because the leather itself is never perfectly uniform, no two pieces take the color in exactly the same way.

Each seam is saddle-stitched by hand with waxed thread. The canister is constructed separately, then joined visually and physically to the mask through the hose, leather mounts, and metal fittings.

The construction is intentionally visible: stitching, rivets, edges, buckles, and connectors all remain part of the final design.

See how Hieronymus is made: watch the process in our workshop on YouTube.

Fit & Wear

Two adjustable leather straps secure the mask around the head, while the canister is carried separately on an adjustable shoulder strap.

The corrugated hose remains flexible while worn, allowing the mask and canister to move naturally as separate parts of the same piece.

If you need a specific fit, custom sizing is available on request. Please contact us before ordering so we can discuss your measurements.

Material & Character

This edition is finished in a hand-dyed reddish brown, with deeper oxblood, mahogany, and warm brown tones appearing across the surface depending on the leather and the light.

Vegetable-tanned leather is a material that records use. Grain, small tonal shifts, and changes in surface are part of its character rather than imperfections. Over time, handling and wear will continue to deepen the color and develop a natural patina.

The combination of leather, brass, tinted lenses, and the black corrugated hose gives this edition a more complex material palette than the standard Hieronymus while keeping the same handmade construction at its core.

Made to Order & Shipping

Hieronymus Apparatus is made to order in our Bucharest workshop. Please allow 5–7 business days for us to make your piece before dispatch.

Every order is shipped with tracking, and tracking information is sent as soon as the parcel leaves the workshop.

• United States: approximately 7–10 days in transit
• Europe: approximately 10–14 days in transit
• Rest of the world: approximately 10–14 days in transit

Transit times are estimates and begin after the 5–7 business day production period.

Care

Keep the mask and canister in a dry environment, away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive heat, and humidity.

If the leather becomes dry, apply a small amount of suitable natural leather balm. When storing or displaying the piece for long periods, avoid sharply bending or compressing the hose and support the mask so it keeps its intended form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with Hieronymus Apparatus?

The complete piece includes the Hieronymus leather mask, adjustable head straps, shoulder-mounted leather canister, corrugated hose, shoulder strap, and the fittings shown in the product photographs.

Does the canister filter air?

No. The canister and hose are part of the sculptural design and do not function as an air-filtration system.

Will my mask look exactly like the photographs?

The construction and overall color direction will be consistent, but every piece is dyed by hand on natural leather. Small differences in grain, tone, and finish are therefore expected.

Can it be worn comfortably?

Yes. The mask is designed to be wearable, with adjustable head straps and a flexible hose. The canister is supported independently by its own shoulder strap.

Can I request custom sizing?

Yes. If you need a specific fit, contact us before ordering and we can discuss your measurements.

How long does production and delivery take?

Production takes 5–7 business days. After dispatch, estimated transit is approximately 7–10 days to the United States and 10–14 days to Europe and the rest of the world. All shipments include tracking.

Where is it made?

Every Hieronymus Apparatus is handcrafted one at a time by Vasile and Pavel Vasilache in the ATOM LEATHER workshop in Bucharest, Romania.