440 years of history
INDEN created durable, functional designs for popular Samurai to use as decoration for war armor.
Throughout time, many Japanese civilians began to look up to Samurai for fashion and style inspiration. INDEN realized this and began creating designs which fit for both warriors and Japanese trendsetters alike. Following the progression of Japanese trends, INDEN recognized a position in the women's fashion market for accessories which fit for kimonos. Japanese women began wearing beautiful designs, acknowledging INDEN's reputation as one of the luxurious and stylish brand. Today, the timeless story of INDEN lives on.
Centered in New York, the American fashion world has adopted the Japanese brand and molded it into what is now INDEN est.1582. INDEN est.1582 upholds the traditional values of this 400-year-old story, bringing unique sophistication and modernization to each exquisite and long-lasting Japanese product.
Name originating in India
When Japan was actively trading with European merchants in the 17th century, one of the popular imports was a type of decorated leather item called “Indeya leather,” which was made in India. It is said that the name “INDEN” originated as an abbreviation of “Indo denrai,” meaning, “shipped from India.”
The beginnings of Koshu Inden
In the Edo period (1603-1868), founding father Uehara Yushichi developed a technique for creating lacquer patterns on deerskin (note that the current family head is the 14th in this line). This is said to have been the beginning of Koshu INDEN Drawstring pouches, tobacco holders and other items made using this technique quickly became favorites among the upper class and fashionable people of the day.
Closely guarded family secret
Of the various INDEN craft houses that existed in the late Edo period (1603-1868), INDEN-YA was the only one to survive the test of time. This was because its techniques were only transmitted through oral instruction to successive generations of family heads who inherited the Yushichi name. However, this family secret has now been disclosed to spread the INDEN technique far and wide.
Tradition and Innovation
In 1987, Koshu INDEN was designated a traditional craft product by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Through preservation of tradition and collaboration with various luxury brands and artists, INDEN-YA passionately continues to pursue innovative craftsmanship.
