Lightweight durable leather goods may be cut, molded, painted and/or incised as well as colored and coated with a range of oils from a variety of plants to imitate lacquer finishes. Particularly between the thirteenth and seventeen centuries Tibetan leather decorative shapes and motifs closely relate to surviving Chinese motifs of the Yuan (1272-1368) and early Ming (1368-1644) Dynasties displayed both in lacquer and other materials (particularly ceramics and metal works).

Even in areas of China where lacquer was available, leather works were (and are) also produced. Usually less expensive than lacquer, the leather could be painted and worked to imitate rarified lacquer wares.