ITTI LEATHER GUIDE
KUROZAN / AIZAN
A unique luster created by tanning and lacquer.
Kurozan and Aizan leathers, born from the fusion of traditional Japanese tanning and lacquer techniques. We introduce their distinctive character and the process of how these leathers are created.
01 / MATERIAL
An aesthetic known as "Black Diamond Leather."
Kurozan leather uses Japanese Kuroge Wagyu (Japanese Black cattle) hide, with lacquer applied layer by layer over its grained surface. When light hits these fine textures, it creates a profound, multi-dimensional luster.
The glossy finish of lacquer combined with the suppleness of cowhide results in a material with a unique presence, blending two distinct textures into one.
02 / TANNING
The chemical transformation of "Tannin" and "Iron."
The deep black of Kurozan leather is not achieved simply by coating the surface with color. The leather is finished in black through a reaction between plant-derived "tannin" and "iron."
The tanning process performed before the lacquer application is also a crucial technique that supports the character of this leather.
03 / URUSHI
Apply, dry, repeat.
A thin layer of lacquer is applied over the grain, then dried in a "muro" (a humidity- and temperature-controlled room). This process is repeated many times, building up the luster layer by layer.
The lacquer process alone takes about a month and a half. By hand-crafting each piece, the finish is refined to accentuate the three-dimensional quality of the grain.
04 / VARIATIONS
Two expressions: Black and Indigo.
KUROZAN lets you enjoy the luster of lacquer in a deep black. AIZAN lets you enjoy it alongside the hues of indigo. Even with the same wallet design, the material changes the impression entirely.
KUROZAN
BLACK
Kurozan leather featuring a deep black base with a subtle lacquer sheen. The grain texture stands out depending on how light hits it, creating a distinct presence even within a subdued color palette.
AIZAN
INDIGO
Aizan leather, hand-dyed one by one with natural indigo. The nuances of the indigo dye combined with the lacquer luster create a depth of color quite different from Kurozan.
Photos show a comparison using the same wallet style. Please note there are individual differences in grain and color.
05 / TANNERY
Leather craftsmanship by Sakamoto Shoten in Himeji.
Established in 1923 in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Sakamoto Shoten produces Kurozan leather by handling everything from tanning to the final finishing in-house.
They carry on traditional techniques for modern craftsmanship. ITTI incorporates this unique character into wallets designed for daily use.
06 / ITEMS
Kurozan and Aizan leather wallets.
From compact, card-centric wallets to medium-sized wallets that can organize bills and coins, choose the shape that best fits your needs.
CARD WALLET
CRISTY SMART CARD WLT / KUROZAN
A compact, card-focused wallet featuring an exterior zippered coin pocket.
View product →
MINI WALLET
CRISTY COIN CARD WLT / AIZAN
A wide-opening mini wallet with a zipper, capable of holding cards, coins, and folded bills.
View product →COMPACT WALLET
CRISTY VERY COMPACT WLT .5 / AIZAN
A bi-fold wallet with an L-shaped zipper, allowing you to store bills without folding them.
View product →
MEDIUM WALLET
CRISTY SMART MID WLT .5 / KUROZAN
A medium-sized wallet equipped with a box-type coin pocket and card slots.
View product →The photos shown are examples. Please check each product page for colors, availability, and retail locations.
07 / CARE GUIDE
Use specialized color-touch-up cream for scratches and fading.
For KUROZAN and AIZAN, we offer color-touch-up creams made with the same dyes used during their original production. Formulated with beeswax and olive oil, these creams replenish color lost to wear while adding luster back to the leather.
KUROZAN / BLACK
KUROZAN LEATHER COMPLEMENTARY COLOR CREAM
HIMEJI KUROZAN
For Kurozan leather (black). Compatible with KUROZAN and KUROZAN LIZARD.
View Kurozan touch-up cream →
AIZAN / INDIGO
AIZAN LEATHER COMPLEMENTARY COLOR CREAM
HIMEJI KUROZAN
For Aizan leather (indigo). Compatible with AIZAN.
View Aizan touch-up cream →How to use
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01
Remove dust
Before use, brush off any dust from the leather surface.
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02
Apply to affected areas
Take a small amount of the touch-up cream onto a polishing cloth or cotton swab and apply it in circular motions to areas where the lacquer has worn off.
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03
Blend with a brush
Use an application brush to spread the applied cream evenly.
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04
Gently wipe
Finish by gently wiping the surface with a cloth.
Please ensure you choose the specialized product that matches your leather type and color. It cannot be used on other materials or products. Please check each product page for detailed instructions.
08 / STORE LOCATOR
Experience the lacquer luster and leather texture in person.
The luster that changes with the light, the suppleness to the touch—please visit our stores to see the material's expression in person.
Availability and product range vary by store. Please contact each store before visiting.
