Lacquered patterns cover the highest quality deerskin

photography by Hiroaki Ishii   /   text by Machico Yorozu

Believed to have been introduced from India in ancient times, Inden is a traditional craft using deerskin on which fine patterns are printed. Inden uses katagami-based fusube (tanning and smoking) and sarasa (fine printing) techniques. The deerskin was applied to armor and helmets worn by samurai warriors fighting for feuding warlords during the Warring States period (1467-1568). In the Edo period (1603-1867), an ancestor of Uehara Yushichi devised a technique in which Ise katagami stencil patterns were placed on deerskin, which was later lacquered for durability. After 400 years the business continues, offering more than 300 different patterns, both classical and new. Some 150 patterns made using traditional methods on five ground colors are always available. They are applied to products ranging from accessories to wall paper.

Highly skilled craftsmen coat patterns with lacquer.

Articles from the 2005 SPRING issue:

• Japan's Sacred Forests: Kumano - Ise Jingu - Meiji Jingu - Miyaki's Anime Forests - 10 Sacred Forests

• Ise Katagami: Inden - Yukata - Kioi Art Gallery

• Japan's Playful Robot Partners at Expo 2005 Aichi

• Japanese Resort Hotels for Spring: Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort - Actor at Play

• The Chi of Asian Tea: Japanese Aojiru - Chinese Black Tea - Traditional Korean Tea - Therapeutic Tea

• Chirimenbon: Books - Calendars

• Chiaki Kuriyama, free spirit of Spring

• Tokyo Hot Spot - Meguro: Meguro-gawa - Claska Hotel - Neighborhood Shops

Reading: The Very Small Home - Four Free MagazInes

Kateigaho International Edition Issues:

2005 SUMMER - 2005 SPRING - 2005 WINTER

2004 AUTUMN - 2004 SUMMER - 2004 SPRING - 2004 WINTER

2003 AUTUMN - INAUGURAL ISSUE