About fish leather

Fish leather is a product made from tanned fish skin, focusing on antiseptic treatment of stuffed fish. It is an eco-friendly leather product that uses the skin of fish, which was originally not used as a resource, and sticks to the traditional manufacturing method of natural origin using vegetable tannins. Please enjoy the lively scale pattern and three-dimensional texture unique to fish leather.

 

 

 

Characteristics of fish leather

  • touch

We are processing to make use of the natural body of the fish, such as the unevenness and smoothness of the scale pattern.

  • sustainable

We purchase discarded fish skins from the fisheries industry and mainly use eco-friendly vegetable tannins to manufacture our products.

  • Scale pattern

The size, arrangement and scars of the scales are different from one to another, and no two have the same pattern.

  • smell

Fish leather does not have the fishy odor peculiar to fish because the "fat" that causes the odor is thoroughly removed during the processing stage.

  • Strength

In fact, fish leather is as strong as or stronger than cowhide. *If the thickness is the same, the secret lies in the "crosshatch fiber". The strength is high due to the structure in which the fibers are intricately intertwined.

  • thin and light

Fish leather is much thinner and lighter than regular leather. At Ocean Leather, we make products that take advantage of the thinness and lightness of fish leather.

 

 

 

Fish leather production process

1. meat scraping

Remove any excess meat and fat remaining on the skin. Do it carefully so as not to open a hole as much as possible.

 

 

 

2. Degreasing

At this stage, the grease and dirt that cause odors are thoroughly washed and removed.

 



3. Tanning

By dissolving vegetable tannin in water and putting leather in it, tanning (preservative treatment) is applied, and rawhide changes to leather.

 

4. staining

We will mix the dye and finish dyeing.

 

Although the above is simplified, there are actually more than 20 processes.

 

 

 

 

Aging

Fish leather products will slowly darken like normal leather. Changes will vary depending on how you use it, so I would appreciate it if you could grow it to your liking.

[Left] After about a year and a half of use. [Right] Brand new.

 

[Left] After about a year of use. [Right] Brand new.

 

魚種

Ocean Leatherでは主に４種の魚の皮を使ってレザーにしています。

FISH LEATHER
Sea bream

Sea bream, known as 'Madai' in Japanese, is a fish that is almost invariably used on celebratory occasions and is the most famous luxury fish among the Thai species. Its leather boasts a beautiful scale pattern that combines transparency and depth. Each scale is individually
graded, creating a gradient effect, and the three-dimensional texture with uneven surfaces sets it apart from other types of leather.


Throughout history, red snapper has been considered an auspicious symbol due to its phonetic association with 'congratulations,' making it a cherished item for celebrations and special occasions.

Click here for products using sea bream
FISH LEATHER
Japanese amberjack

Japanese amberjack is a relatively fast-growing fish, commonly bred and widely consumed by the Japanese throughout the year, making it a popular fish among the general population. In fishing ponds, it is one of the main species, alongside red snapper. Its leather is known for its delicate scale patterns and smooth texture.

Moreover, Japanese amberjack is considered a 'success fish' as its name changes with age, making it an ideal leather for charms meant to bring success in various aspects of life, including work and education.

All fish possess sensory organs called 'lateral lines' to perceive water currents, and these are precious parts, with only one per piece of leather. Japanese amberjack leather, in particular, has clear lateral lines, making it one of the leathers that best showcase the allure of fish leather. Normally, there's only one lateral line, but occasionally, some fish have bifurcated lateral lines.

Click here for products using yellowtail
FISH LEATHER
Dolphinfish

Dolphinfish is a large carnivorous fish that inhabits warm seas and is popular among sports fishermen. In Hawaii, it is referred to as 'Mahi-mahi' and is consumed as a luxury fish. In the traditional culture of Kochi, Japan, Dolphinfish has been used as a betrothal gift due to the close swimming of male and female pairs. As a result, it is believed to symbolize marital harmony and romantic fulfillment.

All fish have sensory organs called 'lateral lines' to perceive water currents, and these are precious parts, with only one per piece of leather. Dolphinfish, like Japanese amberjack, also has distinct lateral lines, making it one of the leathers that best showcase the appeal of fish leather.

Click here for products using dolphin
FISH LEATHER
Salmon

Atlantic salmon is a species of salmon that is abundant in the North Atlantic Ocean region. It is also widely farmed in countries with cool climates such as Chile in South America and northern European nations. Atlantic salmon is one of the larger species of salmon, typically measuring around 90 to 110 centimeters in length. Its uniform scale pattern results in an elegant leather.

Salmon is also well-known for its auspicious symbolism, signifying success, protection from misfortune, and prosperity for descendants.

Click here for products using salmon