A truly unique inden shoulder bag that combines playfulness and elegance.
The patchwork designs, carefully hand-crafted by skilled artisans using diverse leathers, are entirely one-of-a-kind.
This extraordinary bag showcases the distin
ctive character of inden, where Japanese aesthetics meet modern sensibilities.
Perfect for adding a subtle accent to your everyday outfits, it brings a relaxed yet elegant presence that complements a sophisticated look.
Product Specifications
・Colour : Multi-colour
・Material: deerskin
・Size: H 27 cm × W 25 cm × D 5 cm
(excluding the hand strap)
・Weight: approx. 340 g
・Pockets:
Interior: 1 zip pocket, 2 multi-purpose pockets
Exterior: 1 zip pocket, 1 magnetic pocket
・Shoulder strap: nylon, adjustable in length
Product Features
･ One-of-a-kind patchwork design
The patchwork combining leathers of different colours and patterns ensures that no two pieces are alike.
Multiple layers of inden's iconic urushi lacquer patterns and textures create a captivating presence that reveals different expressions from every viewing angle.
･ Slim and lightweight silhouette
The bag's slim profile makes it easy to carry, perfect for an active lifestyle.
The shape feels natural whether worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody, offering the convenience of simply putting it on and heading out.
･ Functional pockets for easy organisation
The bag features a total of five pockets in the interior and on the exterior.
It offers excellent storage capacity, comfortably accommodating smartphones, wallets, contactless cards, handkerchiefs and other essentials.
･ Adjustable shoulder strap
The bag comes with an adjustable nylon shoulder strap. It can be carried in various ways to suit different body types and personal styles.
･ The ageing beauty of deerskin and urushi lacquer
With continued use, the deerskin becomes softer while the urushi lacquer patterns develop greater lustre and depth.
Experience the beauty of natural materials that evolve over time, adding richness to your everyday life.
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.
