LEATHER GUIDE / HORSE LEATHER
CARNO / NUME CARNO
A transparency that draws you in.
Deep luster dwelling within a smooth surface. We introduce the beauty of cordovan—polished by the hands of artisans—through its origins, finishing, and aging process.
01 / MATERIAL
About Cordovan.
Cordovan is a leather crafted by shaving down the dense fibrous layer found inside a horse's hindquarters. It is characterized by its smooth texture and a deep, dimensional luster found in no other leather.
Only a limited portion of the hindquarters can be harvested. It takes a long time and skilled craftsmanship to tan the raw hide, shave out the layer, and polish it. Along with its beauty, it is known for its high level of rarity.
02 / CRAFT
Artisan finishing that creates transparency.
ITTI’s CARNO and NUME CARNO use cordovan with a base tanned by Shinki Hikaku and finished by Leder Ogawa.
Supporting this beauty is the polishing process known as glazing. The unique sheen of cordovan is born by carefully laying down the fibers with specialized machinery to create a smooth surface.
CARNO is finished with aniline dyeing, which leverages the luster of the polished leather. By having artisans assess the condition of each piece and making adjustments according to temperature and humidity, we draw out an immersive transparency and deep color.
Shinki Hikaku
A tanner specializing in horse leather, established in 1951 in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture. They produce cordovan and horsehide from European horse hides, handling everything from tanning to finishing in-house.
Shinki Hikaku Official Website →Leder Ogawa
A cordovan-specialized finisher established in 1971. Carrying on the aniline dyeing technique pursued by founder Saburo Ogawa, they specialize in finishing that brings out the leather’s innate radiance.
Leder Ogawa Official Website →
03 / FINISHES
Choosing your cordovan by color and finish.
CARNO, where you can enjoy deep hues, and NUME CARNO, which makes the most of the leather's natural color. Even with the same cordovan, you can enjoy different expressions.
CARNO
COLOR VARIATIONS
Transparency and dimensional color through dye finishing. Light reflects off the smooth surface, and the sheen and texture evolve as you use it.
View CARNO items →
NUME CARNO
NATURAL
A natural expression that highlights the leather’s own color. The color deepens with daily use, transforming into a beautiful amber like whiskey.
View NUME CARNO items →The photos are examples of the material's character. Please check each product page for color options and stock availability.
04 / AGING
Beautiful aging.
Color and sheen that deepen the more you use them. Both CARNO and NUME CARNO change their expressions little by little depending on how they are used, how often they are touched, and how light hits them.
NUME CARNO, in particular, is a material where you can enjoy the transition from natural to amber. As you use and care for it daily, it grows into a texture that is uniquely yours.
There are individual differences in how aging progresses and in the resulting color.
05 / ITEMS
Cordovan wallets.
Thinness, compactness, storage capacity. Choose the cordovan expression that best fits your lifestyle.
SLIM
CRISTY SMART CARD WLT / CARNO
A slim mini-wallet that allows you to store bills and cards separately.
View product →
MINI
CRISTY COIN CARD WLT / CARNO
A gusseted interior that opens wide and an easy-to-see coin pocket.
View product →
COMPACT
CRISTY VERY COMPACT WLT .5 / CARNO
An L-zip bifold wallet. Stores bills, coins, and cards in a compact size.
View product →
MID
CRISTY SMART MID WLT .5 / NUME CARNO
A mid-sized round-zip wallet equipped with a box-type coin pocket and card storage.
View product →06 / CARE
For long-lasting use.
To maintain the luster of cordovan, use care products suitable for the material. We recommend the following two items approved by ITTI for the care of CARNO and NUME CARNO.
PROTECT
1909 SUPREME WAX SPRAY / COLLONIL
A wax spray that maintains natural sheen and suppleness while providing waterproofing. Recommended for daily protection of CARNO and NUME CARNO.
View product →
MOISTURIZE
CORDVAN CARE WAX / LEDER OGAWA
A moisturizing wax formulated primarily with beeswax for cordovan. Apply a thin, appropriate amount according to the condition of the leather.
View product →Please check each product page for instructions and precautions. For NUME CARNO in particular, care may change the color and sheen. Please test on an inconspicuous area first, and apply in small amounts.
What if it gets wet?
If moisture comes into contact with the leather, the fibers on the surface may rise, causing water-blister-like marks. If it gets wet, immediately wipe away moisture with a soft cloth and dry in the shade.
What are the key points for maintenance?
First, use a soft cloth or brush to remove dust from the surface. Use a wax spray for waterproofing and protection, and a cordovan care wax for moisturizing, depending on the state of the leather. Do not apply too much at once, and follow the instructions for each product.
Do surface patterns vary by product?
As this is natural leather, the appearance differs for every piece. Wavy patterns and fine pinholes are also part of cordovan's individuality. Please view the photos as examples.
