A good personal friend at Sotheby’s recently introduced me to the
Japanese technique called Inden,
which in so many words is urishi-lacquer
delicately applied to deerskin. The
technique is normally found today in small personal items like wallets and handbags.
One of the oldest firms still doing this today is Koshu Inden (established 1582 in the Yamanashi prefecture) whose
techniques and secrets have been passed down to the present family member
running the workshop.
The effect is rather unusual and very attractive. The lacquer seeps into the leather creating
wonderful relief patterns that change in color with time ... think of it as
patina. And although there are numerous
patterns and colors, there are not as many as I would think, making this
something for a creative furniture/home accessories designer to further explore.
Surely other patterns can be incorporated using the technique.
So, how to apply this to the home: I'm thinking small table-top
boxes, mirror and picture frames, cocktail tables wrapped in this leather and
even more tempting, and decadent, using it on walls for a bedroom, library or
study. I expect you can have large panels
of this made – you just have to find yourself a herd of enormous deer!
image credits: Inden-Ya, Japan.
Thank you dear PS for your friendship and support.
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