BUNKOGAWA is one kind of leather crafts in Japan that has its origin around Himeji City, Hyogo prefecture in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). During the Edo period (1603-1868) decorated letter boxes named “Bunko” were the fashion. Thus, the leatherwork came to be called “Bunko Gawa(leather)”.

The method of BUNKOGAWA leather is very specific. The craftsmen select a pattern from various stock such as flowers, inspired old Japanese tales, Ukiyo-e, tile patterns in Europe, wall paintings of Egypt and so on. Then they press it on white leather and put colors on it by hand in great detail leaving the background white. After that they put urushi and a powder from a grass plant onto the leather. The brown color of a grass plant fixes on white blank and creates an antique finish. The contrast of vivid colors and tint of vintage brown is a reason that BUNKOGAWA leather has such a unique appearance.