CORDOVAN

Revered for over a thousand years, cordovan—known as the “diamond of leather”—is prized for its deep, gem-like luster, strength, and rarity. At Tsuchiya Kaban, we select only the finest leathers, and our aniline-dyed Japanese cordovan is no exception.

Discover what makes cordovan one of the most coveted leathers in the world—and how our Cordovan Collection meets the highest standards of this exceptional material.

導入テキスト革の注目アイテムのコードバンの魅力を紹介します革の注目アイテムのコードバンの魅力を紹介します

What Makes Cordovan Special?

The “Diamond of Leather”

Rare and Precious Hides

Cordovan is made from a small, dense layer of fiber found only in the hindquarters of working horses. As this layer makes up just a tiny portion of an already scarce hide, cordovan is among the most precious leathers in the world.

Time-Intensive Craftsmanship

At our partner tanneries, the making of cordovan begins with vegetable tanning the hide using natural tree tannins. Each piece is then carefully shaved from both sides to reveal only the dense, compact fiber layer. Finally, the surface is meticulously polished using specialized machines, resulting in its signature smooth, glossy finish.

Exceptional Strength and Gem-Like Luster

Because its fibers are so densely packed, cordovan is remarkably strong and ideal for long-term use. The fine, compact grain of the material is also what allows it to be polished to a deep, glass-like luster. Its durability, meticulous craftsmanship, and radiant finish are what make cordovan known as “the diamond of leather.”

Tsuchiya Kaban’s Cordovan

Traditional, Uncompromised, and Natural

Our Aniline-Dyed, Japanese Cordovan

At Tsuchiya Kaban, we choose only the finest leathers—those that honor traditional craftsmanship and the natural beauty of the material itself. Our partner tannery crafts a 100% vegetable-tanned cordovan, meticulously hand-stained with multiple coats of transparent aniline dyes, rather than coating with surface pigments. Each coat layer is carefully applied by hand, allowing the leather’s natural character to show through while creating depth and subtle tonal variation.

Finally, the surface is meticulously glazed with an agate stone, achieving its signature smoothness and jewel-like luster. Though labor-intensive, these traditional methods give each hide a finish that imparts warmth and preserves its natural individuality. This subtle variation and tactile depth are what make our cordovan pieces truly exceptional.

Developing a Patina

Part of the beauty and joy of our aniline-dyed cordovan is how it develops a softer, richer shine with use— slowly maturing in depth and character while retaining its refined sheen. The extremely fine grain of the leather allows any subtle marks and creases to gradually smooth out and blend beautifully into the surface.

Leather Care

① Brush or wipe your item gently without applying pressure, using light, even motions.

② Take a small amount of wax (about the size of a penny) and apply it thinly and evenly, using a clean, soft cloth or your fingers, working to melt the wax as you apply.

③ Let the item rest for about 5 minutes, away from direct sunlight, to let the cream fully absorb into the leather.

④ Gently wipe the entire surface with a clean, soft cloth. Remove any excess wax and polish to restore the leather’s beautiful luster.

* If the leather gets wet, promptly blot off the moisture with a dry cloth. Leaving it wet may cause stains, discoloration, color transfer, blistering, or distortion.

Important Notes About This Leather

Our cordovan leather is highly absorbent, especially with water. Contact with water or oils can cause stains, blistering, color fading or transfer, and distortion. In addition to maintenance, please keep the following in mind:

 

  • Avoid contact with water, such as touching the leather with wet hands, exposure to rain, or spilled drinks.
  • Take care to avoid contact with bottles or flasks that may form condensation.
  • When carried in a pocket, sweat may cause similar effects to water damage.

 

Learn More About Leather Care >