Photo= The compact wallets made by Kyoto-based craftsmen of dyeing and leather goods. Shibori tie-dyed deer leather is used on their surface (Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto)

Functional compact wallets have been created through the collaboration of a dyeing craftsman from Kyoto, who is dedicated to a traditional dyeing technique called shibori tie-dyeing, and a studio for small leather goods. Featuring the smooth texture of deer leather, a limited number of the wallets are being sold at the Takashimaya Kyoto Store, in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, until October 30.

Both "Mao," the dyeing studio in Shimogyo Ward whose president is Yasumasa Shigeno, and "Kyoden," the leather goods studio in Nakagyo Ward whose president is Masao Tatsuta, have been involved in business deals with Takashimaya Kyoto Store, which led to this collaborative project.

In a society moving to a cashless economy, Kyoden has been developing a brand, "COTOCUL," for small, light leather wallets since last year. A dyeing craftsman himself, Shigeno has usually provided various brands, including ones for apparel, with tie-dyed deer leather. This leather is said to be quite rare nationwide, featuring an approximate thickness of a mere 0.3 millimeters, as well as a unique texture.

The compact wallet is light, weighing 40 to 50 grams, and measures eight centimeters in length and 10 centimeters in width. The trifold design has space for coins, notes, and cards respectively. Deer skin dyed by Shigeno is used for the surface, and the interior is finished in cow leather. Two pattern and color combinations have been prepared: stripes in blue and marble in orange. They cost 13,824 yen.

President Tatsuta of Kyoden expectantly said, "I want customers to pick up the wallets and learn their color, texture and structure directly. I hope to introduce the attraction of Kyoto's craftsmanship." The wallets are now on sale at the event titled "NIPPON Monogatari," or stories of Japan, currently held in the Takashimaya Kyoto Store. The quantity is limited.