As published on THE KINDCRAFT.
The middle of September had me navigating through the streets of Tokyo’s downtown Sumida Ward, the sticky heat not quite ready to surrender to the much-awaited Autumn chill. My destination was Bunko-ya OOZEKI, a workshop that specializes in bunkogawa, pure Himeji white tanned leather goods, that are embossed and painted to showcase exquisite patterns. I was honored to be guided through the process by one of their skilled artisans (although there was a secret technique that remains a mystery), and to see behind the scenes of this enchanting art.