Leather
What is important for protecting quality
From the many types of leather available, Munekawa uses its unique discerning eye to carefully select leather materials that will last a long time. In order to make the most of the characteristics of leather, Munekawa's original products are completed by selecting the right leather for the right place and combining it with technology.
Leathers
We regularly use this leather.
Leather to use for the face
Buttero
Buttero (Munekawa original processing) Cowhide: Vegetable tanned leather Country of origin: Italy Leather developed using techniques cultivated in the Italian leather industry. It is processed using tannins extracted from natural materials such as chestnut and mimosa. Since it is dyed using dyes rather than the commonly used pigment dyeing, it has a transparent appearance without losing the individuality of the leather. Tanning over time shrinks the fibers and increases the density, making it a durable leather that does not lose its stiffness even with long use. In addition, the appearance of the leather changes with use, allowing you to enjoy it for a long time. In Japan, it belongs to the type of leather known as "Nume leather".
As an original Munekawa process, when the leather arrives in Japan from Italy, it is pressed with high temperature and pressure to further increase the density. The color of Buttero is originally matte, but by adding heat, a natural luster appears on the grain surface of the leather, creating a luxurious feel.
Leather to use on the back
Pig
Pig leather: Vegetable tanned leather Country of origin: Japan
Domestic pigskin leather is of very high quality and is a material that we can be proud of around the world. Vegetable tanned pigskin leather is further kneaded to make it soft to the touch. Pigskin leather is more resistant to friction than other leathers, making it an excellent material for linings. At Munekawa, we use this pigskin leather because we value increasing the strength of the inside.
Borelo
Bolero (Munekawa original processing) Cowhide: Chrome tanned leather Country of origin: Japan
Original leather made for the inside. Chrome-tanned leather that has been dyed with pigments and embossed. Pigment dyeing makes the surface tougher and more resistant to scratches. Embossing further increases the resistance to scratches.
Selected leather
The leather which I use to a limited item
Bridle
Bridle cowhide: vegetable tanned leather Country of origin: England
Bridle leather, made using traditional methods in the UK, is a leather material that has been used for horse tack such as reins. The fibers are tightened by repeatedly applying specially mixed wax and oils, giving the leather excellent durability and a smooth, unique texture. The white wax and oils that appear on the surface are called "bloom", and as the leather is used, the bloom gradually disappears, giving it a beautiful, lustrous appearance.
Cordovan
Cordovan horse leather Country of origin: Japan
Munekawa uses oil cordovan, which is made domestically from the rump of farm horses, which are produced in very small numbers in Europe. It is a rare and valuable leather with dense fibers and a deep expression in the shine of the surface. [Please be careful when using this material as it is sensitive to water.]
Selection
The leather choice and cutting
-Leather selection and cutting-
Since it is the leather of a living creature, there will always be individual differences such as scars, scratches, stains, and wrinkles.
Check each piece with your eyes and with your hands.
I look at a piece of leather, lay out the pattern, and consider where to take the parts and how much space is available.
Also, even within a single piece of leather, there are some parts that are strong and some that are less stretchy. Taking these characteristics into account, we cut the leather while knowing where all the parts will go. At Munekawa, we use both "hand cutting" with a leather knife and "chisel cutting" with a machine and die. We cut while taking advantage of the strengths of each. Since no two pieces of leather have the same appearance, we create our products while grasping the color, atmosphere, and characteristics.
Tiger
The tiger pattern is a wrinkle-like pattern around the shoulders of a cow, which is comparable to the center of the left and right shoulder blades in humans. This tiger pattern is only found in some areas and is always located in the center. It is the part that shows the most individuality, and is an attractive part for leather lovers. Not all items have tiger patterns, but if there is one, it is in the center, and it is a good part.
Scratches
Cows inevitably get scars as they grow. Even after tanning, these scars will not disappear. We try to avoid scratches like the ones in the image above as much as possible, but small scratches may appear in the product. This is also one of the characteristics of leather. The more scratches there are in the leather, the easier it is to grow attached to it.
