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Various Leather Goods in Japan's Inden Tradition

Takasago Shokai Co., Ltd.
Various Leather Goods in Japan’s Inden Tradition
A variety of leather goods crafted using Inden, a traditional Japanese technique.

A variety of leather goods crafted using Inden, a traditional Japanese technique.

Captivating natural textures with Inden crafted using plant-dyed, natural pigments.

Inden is a traditional Japanese technique involving adorning deer leather with lacquer patterns. While synthetic dyes are commonly used for coloring the base deer leather, this product employs a dyeing method called botanical dyeing, which uses plant-based dyes. Inden leather goods are crafted from deer skin that is tanned, dyed, and then patterned with lacquer.

Furthermore, this product achieves a depth of texture not found in other items by utilizing a challenging-to-extract red hue. Every process step, from leather dyeing and lacquer application to sewing, is meticulously completed domestically.

Note: The patterns drawn with lacquer are known as auspicious motifs, which are considered to bring good fortune.

The Allure of Deer Leather: Design and Passion

This product is crafted from soft deer leather and features beautifully intricate patterns drawn with thick lacquer, characteristic of the traditional craft Inden. The deer leather is exceptionally lightweight, finely textured, and durable, offering a unique tactile sensation that seems to cling to the touch.

The lacquer, on the other hand, becomes more lustrous and rich in depth over time, enhancing the exquisite texture and appeal of the item.

The elegant patterns created with lacquer hold various meanings. For instance, with its visually striking appearance, the peony design symbolizes happiness, luxury, wealth, and power. The peony bud, small in size, also represents the potential for growth and flourishing, making it a suitable design to celebrate one's transition into adulthood.

Other designs, such as the cherry blossom, denote prosperity, while the Hanamizuki (flowering dogwood) pattern signifies permanence, indicating that each design is chosen with care beyond its aesthetic value.
Urushi (lacquer) application work.

Urushi (lacquer) application work.

Advanced Lacquer Techniques by Japanese Artisans

It is often said that mastering the art of Urushi lacquering requires at least five years to become a proficient craftsman. While at first glance, the process might not appear particularly challenging, the reality is quite the opposite.

Urushi lacquer has a very strong adhesive quality, which necessitates not only strength but also finesse to spread it evenly. The task of uniformly applying lacquer to deerskin is exceptionally demanding, leaving no room for errors, and thus relies heavily on the craftsman's experience and skill.

Moreover, the properties of Urushi lacquer can change based on temperature and humidity, requiring a keen eye to manage and adjust the working process accordingly. The leather products dyed with natural plant dyes in the Inden style are each unique masterpieces, meticulously handcrafted by artisans who devote considerable time and effort to their creations.
A unique piece with a one-of-a-kind pattern created through dyeing.

A unique piece with a one-of-a-kind pattern created through dyeing.

Inden Leather: Craft & Appeal of Plant Dyes

At our company, we take great pride in our meticulous process, beginning with the dyeing of the deerskin. While it is expected to use plant-based dyes for what is known as botanical dyeing, this method is rarely employed in conventional Inden due to its labor-intensive nature and the advanced skills required to achieve vibrant colors.

Our botanical-dyed Inden products are crafted through a rigorous process of trial and error by skilled artisans utilizing naturally dyed deerskin leather. This results in a product with beautiful gradations and a rich, natural texture. Moreover, the inherent variations in the deerskin base contribute to the uniqueness of each item, making every piece a valuable one-of-a-kind product.

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