Category:Leatherwork
Overview
Leatherwork has played a significant role in Japanese material culture, shaped by regional resources, historical needs, and specialized artisanal knowledge. Although not as visually prominent as ceramics or lacquerware, leather has long been used for functional, ceremonial, and decorative purposes. Traditional applications include armor components, footwear, equestrian equipment, festival items, and finely crafted accessories.
The craft involves careful processes of tanning, dyeing, shaping, stitching, embossing, and surface decoration. Japanese leather traditions vary depending on available animal hides, local techniques, and workshop lineages. Historical schools developed expertise in specialized areas such as lacquered leather for armor, decorative leatherwork for religious or courtly use, and region-specific styles for everyday goods.
Scope of the Category
The category Leatherwork includes:
- regional leatherworking traditions,
- tanning, shaping, and decorative methods,
- historically important workshops and craft lineages,
- and functional, ceremonial, or decorative leather objects.
This structure highlights the technical diversity and cultural relevance of Japanese leather craftsmanship, reflecting its contributions to both daily life and specialized artisanal practices.
Pages in category "Leatherwork"
The following 20 pages are in this category, out of 20 total.
