Kinkarakawa. The Japanese Gilt Leather form the Edo Period

— Article written by Fred, 23/08/2015 —

During the Edo period, quite some gilt leather from the Low Countries, sailed to Japan. Original gilt leather rooms can be seen all over Europe and in some places of the US as well. Even though the Japanese liked the gilt leather I don’t think there was ever one complete room decorated in it Instead the Japanese made precious objects and exotic accessories from the Flemish or Dutch leathers.

Historical Japanese leather object
Dutch leather letter box Edo period
A rare Dutch leather letter box, Edo period.

They made also tobacco pouches

Japanese tobacco pouch detail
Leather accessories from Japan

Here some boxes made by yours truly

Lutson gilt leather box 1
Stack of Lutson leather boxes
Gilt leather box detail

As Always,
Fred