TYI-16
Inden Yamamoto
Founded in 1955, this company is where the techniques of the sole certified Traditional Craftsman (General) shine. A small cherry blossom pattern strap printed with the Koshu Inden technique.
In the 17th century, when Japanese trade with Spain and Portugal was booming, the Dutch East India Company traded leather goods made with an Indian decorative leather technique which it called “India Leather,” and the technique was adopted in Japan an given the name inden, taken from Indo denrai which means “imported from India.”
After tanned deerskin is dyed, lacquer is used to apply patterns, and the resulting products achieve a robust fawn leather with a soft texture close to human skin. Military commanders during the Warring States period wore a variety of inden patterns on their armor and helmets to rouse their own fighting spirit, and in the Edo period, this traditional craft was loved by the dandy types who favored chic looks. It continues to be a very popular traditional craft product in Japan to this day.
“Ise dyed pattern paper” which is also known as “Mino Washi” is used by Inden Yamamoto for these patterns, and because each and every decoration is carefully carved by hand, it takes more than three months to complete a single Inden Yamamoto pattern. The plump and beautiful three-dimensional patterns are one of the unique characteristics critical to inden goods, and these patterns are formed by utilizing the surface tension of the lacquer so that the paper is fixed in placed and hardens in the same exact position. Enjoy the deep history of traditional handicrafts on your arm.
It has continued to be loved all the way to the present.
A small cherry blossom pattern treasured by the Takeda clan
As shown by the proverb “as the cherry blossom is first among flowers, so is the warrior first among men,” cherry blossoms have been so loved by Japanese people since ancient times that they were known to be referred to simply as “flowers” with the meaning understood from the Heian period on.
It is said that when the Takeda clan began ruling over the Kai province, they wore armor decorated with small cherry blossom patterns as a symbol for prosperity and the warrior class.
The small cherry blossom pattern has been the most representative and well-known pattern for Koshu Inden ever since, and it has been used for a wide variety of products.
Black, navy, and dark brown have a chic look with black lacquer.
Red and beige are finished with white lacquer for an elegant appearance.
The minimalist tailoring keeps stitching to the bare minimum, emphasizing the pattern of the inden.
Available in five different colors to express the wide-ranging appeal of inden.
Color variations
The black, dark brown, and navy versions feature patterns applied with black lacquer.
The combination of gradations of dark tones creates a chick look.
The other variations combine three colors: white lacquer with red and beige.
These two have a vibrant coloring that gives a feminine touch.
Matched perfectly with the atmosphere of the inden patterns.
Subdued back colors
The back of the straps is finished elegantly, like the lining material for a jacket or coat.
Black, navy, and dark brown are paired with black. Red and beige are paired with brown for an elevated fashion statement.
Founded in 1955, the company is now home to the sole certified Traditional Craftsman (General), who is passing down this art to the next generation.
Japanese lacquer is used in Inden strap The lacquer is completely dried, however, for people with sensitive skins, there maybe some allergic reactions such as rash. In this case, please stop using the product and consult with a doctor.
