Cordovan

Cordovan

Glossy shell cordovan leather (horse rump leather) lined with elegant hand-softened kipskin in a water ripple pattern

Cordovan—the king of leather—is a premium leather made from the 'shell'—the under hide of the rump of a draft horse. The shell is put through a long vegetable-tanning process before shaving off the grain, or hair side , leaving only the smooth hyaline layer and the buffed flesh side. The smooth, fine texture of this leather gives it a truly premium look. Tsuchiya Kaban uses a glossy shell cordovan leather which is produced through a long and complex hand dyeing process with water-based dyes and then waxed to a soft luster. Enjoy the richness of this highly coveted, hand-dyed leather as it develops a soft natural patina.

The hand-softened kipskin used for the lining is a supple yet durable chrome-tanned leather made from Dutch kipskin (the hide of cattle six months to two years old), which has a tight, dense grain structure. Using special tools, the craftsmen deftly fold the leather and ingrain it with a delicate and graceful water ripple pattern of light parallel creases. The ripples vary in shade due to differences in the force applied during the folding process and the part of the hide that is used, creating a rich, highly individual look. The leather is also put through a spray-dyeing process that is repeated four to five times to give it a rich, glossy look. Like rippling waves on a tranquil lake, our water ripple leather radiates a look of gentlemanly sophistication.

The Look of Natural Leather

We have chosen to keep natural markings such as scars, wrinkles, veins, and pores on the cowhide to showcase the natural appearance of the leather in our products. This is one of the most distinctive features of our bags. The appearance of the leather will vary depending on the part of the hide and individual differences between animals. Through careful observation, you will uncover your leather product's unique, one-of-a-kind appearance.

Scratches

Scratches

Creases and scratches

Creases and scratches

Veins

Veins

Grain differences

Grain differences

Dyes

Dyes

Dark pigmented spots

Dark pigmented spots

Scars

Scars

Insect bite marks

Insect bite marks

Pores

Pores

Scraper marks

Scraper marks

Wax pieces

Wax pieces


See products made of this leather