Materials
Lacquer
Exquisite Lacquerware Goods Known Simply as “Japan” in the West
Originally, lacquer was collected from trees in the form of natural sap and processed for used as a coating. This natural lacquer has been used since ancient times in Buddhist architecture and statues, treasures and vessels for the nobility, decorative elements on weaponry, and in various other applications, making it an integral part of Japanese art and crafting history.
In the West, Japanese lacquerware was so attractive it became a symbol of Japanese aesthetic beauty and was referred to simply as "Japan" by many.
The Japanese word for lacquer, urushi, is believed to have its origins in the words uruou (to be damp/wet) and uruwashi (beautiful, attractive). Over time, lacquer's coloring becomes more vivid and its luster deepens.
INDEN-YA founding father Uehara Yushichi utilized lacquer as a material in his INDEN products due to its practical and decorative properties, including excellent adhesive strength, high surface-layer durability, waterproofing performance and unique luster.
Deerskin
A Gift From Nature : Material That is Lightweight and Soft to the Touch
Since ancient times, Japanese people have used deerskin to make armor, clothing, bags, pouches and other such items. Deerskin leather has a soft feel closely resembling that of human skin, and is easy to craft and decorate. People have long taken advantage of these characteristics to craft a variety of goods.
Furthermore, deerskin is unique in that it breaks in comfortably over time as only a natural material can.