A tote bag combining functionality and style for everyday use.
It comes with an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap, making it versatile as either a tote or shoulder bag that adapts to any scene or outfit.
The interior features ample storage space for organising your belongings:
One zip pocket: for secure storage of valuables and small items
2 multi-purpose pockets: perfect for storing smartphones and accessories
Despite its excellent storage capacity, the bag maintains a clean, streamlined silhouette.
Its versatile design complements outfits of every style, subtly enhancing your everyday look.
With continued use, the deerskin becomes softer while the urushi lacquer develops greater lustre.
Enjoy watching the character of this exceptional piece deepen with time.
Product Specifications
・Colour : Multi-colour
・Material: deerskin
･ Size: H 23 cm × W 23 cm × D 13 cm
(excluding the hand strap)
･ Interior: 1 zip pocket, 2 multi-purpose pockets
･ Shoulder strap: adjustable and detachable (24 mm width)
･ Weight: approx. 450 g
Product Features
･ Versatile 2-way design: can be used either as a tote bag or a shoulder bag, making it perfect for both everyday use and special occasions
･ Easy-to-organise interior: features multiple pockets for easy storage and organisation of small items
･ Timeless, versatile design: a sophisticated piece that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity
･ Beauty that develops over time: the leather's texture will mature with use, creating a truly unique character
About Patchwork Inden
Maekawa-Inden's patchwork inden is a special collection of one-of-a-kind handmade pieces, each with a unique appearance created by combining inden leathers in different patterns and colours.
In the crafting process, artisans carefully sew each piece of leather together by hand, ensuring no material goes to waste. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to recreate the same design, making every piece truly exclusive and unique.
Important Information Before Purchasing
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One-of-a-kind pieces:
Each item is handcrafted by skilled artisans. Many products are not restocked, so we recommend purchasing promptly when you find a piece you love.
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Properties of deerskin and urushi lacquer:
With use, the deerskin becomes softer, and the urushi lacquer develops a richer lustre and patina over time.
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Characteristics of natural materials:
As the product is made from natural deerskin, small marks or scars may be present. This is a sign of authenticity and a characteristic to appreciate.
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Colour variations:
Slight variations in leather or lacquer colour may occur due to lighting during photography or the time of crafting.
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Handling urushi lacquer:
The lacquer may peel or crack due to friction or impact. These marks, though irreparable, are part of the charm and history of your Inden item.
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Inventory sharing:
Our online stock is shared with our physical store. Items may occasionally be sold simultaneously. If an item is sold out but you wish to acquire it, please contact us.
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Caution for Use:
In rare cases, the lacquer used in our products may cause skin irritation or rash.
If you experience any symptoms, please stop using the product immediately and consult a dermatologist.
Maekawa-Inden
https://maekawa-inden.co.jp
The Spirit of Traditional Leathercraft Lives On in Asakusa
Founded in 1958 by Shotaro Maekawa, the first generation, a reptile leather artisan, as Maekawa Shokai, the business later shifted direction when second-generation craftsman Norio Maekawa became captivated by the depth and potential of inden—a traditional technique for decorating deerskin with lacquer.
At the time, there were virtually no inden artisans in Tokyo, but Maekawa built a supply network for the materials from scratch, and in 2024 established the brand Maekawa Inden.
Maekawa Inden’s allure lies in the light, supple feel of deerskin and the refined beauty of the lacquered designs.
Over time, the lacquered surface develops a deeper luster, adding to its character—a hallmark of this craft.
While upholding the impeccable quality passed down from the first generation, Maekawa Inden has actively embraced bold colors and innovative designs to bring out the full potential of this remarkable material in ways that suit modern lifestyles.
Among its most iconic creations is the Patchwork Inden series.
Combining the soft texture of deerskin and the graceful sheen of lacquer with a vibrant mix of patterns, these pieces challenge the conventional image of inden as subdued or conservative.
Their colorful, one-of-a-kind designs have captivated a wide audience.
Other bestsellers include their glasses cases and folding fan sleeves that pair classic motifs with bright hues to make stylish, practical accessories that bring a splash of charm to daily life.
These products are especially prized by overseas visitors as refined, quintessentially Japanese souvenirs.
Freed from conventional notions and guided by creative vision, Maekawa Inden has reimagined inden for a new era.
With a steadfast commitment to traditional lacquering techniques and meticulous handcraftsmanship, the brand opened its first directly operated store in Asakusa in 2003 and today operates two shops in the area.
Third-generation artisan Raito Maekawa shares his aspirations: “Beyond handbags and leather goods, we want to bring inden into daily life.” The brand is now exploring new interior applications, such as tablecloths, and is equally committed to training young inden artisans to inherit the art form. its home in Asakusa, Maekawa Inden is looking a century ahead, and continues to pass down the art of traditional leathercraft for generations to come.
