Hydrangea and Inden: A Harmony of Tradition and Nature in Japan’s Rainy Season
During Japan’s rainy season, when gentle showers fall day after day, one flower quietly brings vibrant color to the scenery: the hydrangea.
Hydrangeas are native to Japan, with several wild species still found throughout the country. One of the most well-known is gaku-ajisai (lacecap hydrangea), a variety unique to Japan and said to be the ancestor of the Western hydrangea. These flowers are famous for their ability to change color—ranging from blue to purple to pink—depending on the acidity of the soil. Their delicate beauty and ever-changing hues have long been celebrated in Japanese poetry and painting.
Hydrangeas are widely recognized as a symbol of the rainy season and represent the close connection between Japan’s natural landscape and its cultural expression.
What Is Kōshū Inden? — A Traditional Craft of Deer Leather and Lacquer
The beauty of the hydrangea has been captured through a traditional Japanese craft known as Kōshū Inden.
Inden is a centuries-old technique in which patterns are applied to soft, durable deer leather using lacquer or pigment. With a history of over 400 years, this craft developed in what is now Yamanashi Prefecture (formerly Kōshū Province).
Originally used in samurai armor and accessories, Inden evolved over time and is now used to create items suited for everyday life, such as wallets and coin purses.
Designs applied with lacquer become more lustrous over time, gradually developing a rich patina through use. The combination of elegant patterns and the supple feel of deer leather results in items that are both functional and refined—qualities that have earned Inden lasting popularity even today.
Click here to read more about Inden
-Koshu Inden: A Beautiful Leather Craft from Japanese Tradition-
Delicate and Refined: Hydrangea Pattern Inden Items
Inden items featuring the hydrangea motif display a field of intricate blossoms, evoking the quiet elegance of rain-soaked hydrangeas in bloom.
1103 Coin Purse Navy/White Ajisai
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With a calm and balanced color palette, these items are suitable for users of any age or gender. The natural feel of the deer leather becomes softer and more personal the longer it is used.
4409 Pouch Navy/White Ajisai
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At Ikedaya Global, we carry a variety of hydrangea-pattern Inden products—such as compact coin purses and zippered long wallets—designed to complement daily life while reflecting the spirit of the season.
A Unique Finish — The “Misono” Series
For those who prefer a more vibrant and distinctive look, the Misono series is an excellent choice.
In addition to traditional lacquer decoration, this design incorporates a refined purple pigment that enhances the beauty of the hydrangea motif. The result is a more colorful and expressive finish that brings out the charm of the flower even more vividly.
This series is also a popular choice for gifts.
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Hydrangeas Bloom in Everyday Places
Japan is home to many well-known hydrangea viewing spots, such as temples and large public gardens—but that’s not all. You can also find stunning blooms in more everyday settings: neighborhood parks, along quiet streets, or even in the gardens of private homes.
If you have a chance to visit Japan during the rainy season, we encourage you to take a walk in the rain. The sight of hydrangeas glistening with raindrops is a unique and memorable part of early summer in Japan.
The items featured in this article are available at the following stores in Japan:
Ikedaya Tokyo Ginza Store→Google Map
Ikedaya Shizuoka Store→Google Map
Ikedaya Shizuoka Hamamatsu Store→Google Map
