The material the company found best suited to creating that antique feel is horsehide. Many people associate horse leather with cordovan, but the company deliberately focused on the front section, from around the neck down to the forelegs. Shibuki of Amano Hokoku describes its appeal: “The front is a part the horse moves a lot, so it has lots of natural creasing. That's why it takes on a natural unevenness when dyed.” Sure enough, the finished leather's shading gives it a richly evocative character.
“We believe the leather's natural texture is what matters. Beyond uniform color, we'd love people to pick it up and see this lively expression for themselves.”
