LEATHER BAGS (made by harness maker)
Aomori Prefecture
Material: Leather
Until just half a century ago, horses were indispensable farm animals in the Tohoku district. The artisans who crafted harnesses and reins were thus also very important. Due to advances in mechanization, however, there is no longer any demand for such handmade items. From a wish to preserve the district’s leatherworking skills, new products were created, including this sturdy, hand-woven bag. It is made from a single sheet of carefully selected, 3-millimeter-thick tanned leather. It has a simple, utilitarian design, accented only with meticulously woven stitches. This handsome item embodies the pride of the artisan and the long tradition of harness-making in Tohoku.
馬具職人のバッグ
青森県
素材：牛革
つい50年前まで、東北地方の人々の暮らしに無くてははならない労働力が、農耕馬でした。その鞍や手綱を作っていた馬具職人もまた欠かせない存在でした。機械化の進んだ現在、需要はなくなりましたが、馬具職人の高い技術をなんとか今の生活に生かすことができないかと考え、作られたのがこの丈夫な手縫いのバッグです。厚さ３ミリの１枚のヌメ革を選りすぐり、表に出た丁寧な縫い目が唯一のアクセントのシンプルなバッグ。馬具職人としての誇りを大切に考えたデザイン、馬と人を結んだ馬具の歴史を感じさせる逸品です。
