Urushi Raised Patterns on Washi, Canvas, Wood, and Acrylic Sheets

The traditional technique of “Inden” (印伝), where patterns are applied to deer leather using Urushi, involves pressing Urushi onto stencils of various designs and transferring them onto the surface of the leather, making the patterns emerge with a unique depth. This is a distinctive Urushi art technique.

Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Shop has adapted this traditional “Inden” technique and proposes a new form of “Asakichi Inden,” where Urushi patterns are raised not only on deer leather but also on a variety of other materials.

Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Shop x Mitani Yoshi Shoten (Kyo Inden®)

The collaboration between us, as an Urushi material supplier, and Mitani Yoshi Shoten, a company in Kyoto that has long been specialising in Kyoto Inden® processing, results in the “Asakichi Inden.” This technique goes beyond traditional deer leather to include various materials such as washi, canvas, and wood, showcasing our ability to apply Inden processing to a wide range of materials.

Kyoto Inden is a registered trademark of Mitani Yoshi Shoten, and the use of Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi, known as Kyoto Urushi, is a key premise. One of the notable features is the use of our proprietary high-dispersion refined Urushi, “Korin,” which offers exceptional durability. Additionally, with the expertise of Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Inc. in Qualia Coating technology, we are also seeing promising results in applying Urushi to surfaces like glass and acrylic sheets, which are typically known for poor adhesion to Urushi.

Product Development Using Inden Techniques & Custom Orders Now Accepted

Not only can you create custom-made versions of traditional Aoumiwa and tortoiseshell patterns, but also illustrators with stylish modern patterns and pop patterns, making it possible to create new Inden processing that is not bound by traditional frameworks. Tsutsumi Asukichi Urushi Inc. has also blended Urushi for Kyoto Inden, allowing it to process colourful Inden in colour.

In the future, we will develop a variety of products that utilise Asakichi Inden’s technology.

If you are interested or are considering new or collaborative products that make use of Inden techniques, please feel free to contact us.