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GANZO's Cordovan Series

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GANZO's Cordovan Series

GANZO's Cordovan SeriesDistinctive Features of Each Series

Cordovan is an exquisite leather harvested from a horse's hindquarters, renowned for its strength, suppleness, and beautiful, glossy luster. At GANZO, this rare and exceptional leather—often hailed as the "diamond of leather" or "king of leathers"—is used to create a range of products. GANZO offers three distinct types of cordovan, each with its own unique charm. Here, we introduce the key characteristics of each series.

CORDOVAN R.C.

Produced by ROCADO, whose workshop is located in the scenic, Mediterranean-facing Santa Croce in Tuscany, central Italy. Italy is recognized as one of the world's top three producers of fine leather, passing down its traditional techniques for generations and ensuring the highest quality. ROCADO integrates advanced tanning methods typically used for cowhide into its cordovan production, utilizing generous amounts of oil to create a strong yet supple leather.

A Balance of Strength and Flexibility
ROCADO's cordovan is finished with an oil treatment, a technique developed to prevent cracking in folded areas. In Italy, the "vacchetta method", a long-standing practice of infusing leather with a balanced combination of vegetable tannins and oils, is particularly famous. The heavy use of oil enhances the smooth texture, offering a leather that becomes even more refined with use.
Deep, Translucent Coloration
This cordovan stands out with its vivid hues and a depth of color achieved through traditional Italian dyeing techniques. It radiates a moist, glossy finish, embodying an artistic sophistication.
Tanner
ROCADO in ITALY
Founded in 1982 in Santa Croce, Tuscany—renowned as Italy's leather capital—ROCADO is both a rawhide supplier and a tannery, managing every stage of production, from sourcing to finishing.
CORDOVAN R.C. ― ROCADO Leather

CORDOVAN

Japanese-made cordovan allows users to enjoy the natural variations in leather—subtle shifts in color, minor inconsistencies, and the gradual softening of texture—as it ages. Japan's distinct four-season climate, with its changing temperatures and humidity levels, contributes to the unique aging process, enriching the leather's character over time. Originally considered too rigid for small leather goods, this cordovan undergoes a specialized water-based dyeing process. This technique enables wax to penetrate the leather, resulting in colors that gradually shift. The leather is designed to gradually change in character, softening and developing a richer expression over time.

Unique Color Variations Created
by Water Dyeing
This aniline cordovan is finished using a water-based dyeing technique that utilizes water-soluble dyes. The natural variations in color arise from differences in dye penetration, giving the leather a rich, dimensional character that enhances its natural beauty. As you continue to use it, polishing with wax will further bring out the depth of color, gradually developing a deep, lustrous sheen over time.
A Durable,
No-Nonsense Material Built to Last
Although it may feel stiff at first, this leather gradually softens and molds to your hand with use. Over time, creases form, the texture evolves, and it develops a unique character—one that's entirely your own. Part of the appeal of cordovan is the joy of watching the leather mature, growing richer and more distinctive with every use.
Tanner
SHINKI-HIKAKU
A tannery specializing in horsehide since its founding in 1951. With a time-intensive production process and expert craftsmanship, it enhances the signature luster of cordovan, often called the "diamond of leathers."
CORDOVAN ― Tannage’s section

SHELL CORDOVAN

A signature cordovan leather crafted by Horween, a renowned tannery with over a century of history. The name "SHELL CORDOVAN" comes from its exceptional durability—resembling the strength of a shell—and the way it develops a deep, polished luster over time, much like a burnished seashell. Originally used for horse tack and work boots due to its resilience, this leather has since become a staple in high-end leather shoes, embodying a piece of American heritage. Chosen for its durability in demanding environments, SHELL CORDOVAN is remarkably supple, highly resistant to creasing, and built to last. Its exceptional qualities make it an ideal material for everyday leather goods.

Full-Depth Dyeing for
Less Noticeable Scratches and Creases
This leather undergoes full-depth dyeing, where color penetrates from the base layer rather than just the surface. This process gives it a rich depth and a soft, natural luster. Because the color extends throughout the material, stitching holes remain inconspicuous, and even if the surface develops cracks, the exposed areas match the original color, making repairs easy. A leather designed for long-lasting use.
Durable and Supple:
A Trustworthy Cordovan
During the full-depth dyeing process, not only dye but also oil is thoroughly infused into the leather, giving it both flexibility and resilience against bending. This results in a firm yet supple texture with excellent durability. The way wrinkles form is unique to each piece, creating subtle variations that make every item feel one of a kind, despite being a mass-produced material. With its robust and dependable character, this leather continues to carry forward the rich, time-honored legacy of Horween.
Tanner
Horween in the USA
Founded in 1905, Horween is a renowned tannery based in Chicago, USA. It began by producing leather for riding boots, and today, its cordovan leather is widely used in high-end leather shoes.
SHELL CORDOVAN — Horween Leather

Since 1917

GANZO, the highest-quality line available anywhere, pursues the concept of “genuine” throughout the entire process, from the selection of materials, to cutting, thinning, sewing and polishing - without compromise. The persistence and energy of takumi (expert workmen) delivers products created by the hands of craftsman who are well-versed in Japanese culture and techniques.

JOURNAL

  • GANZO's Cordovan Series
    GANZO's Cordovan Series

    GANZO offers three distinct types of cordovan, each with its own unique charm. Here, we introduce the key characteristics of each series.

  • CORDOVAN R.C. — ROCADO Leather
    CORDOVAN R.C. — ROCADO Leather

    In Tuscany's Santa Croce, the workshop of ROCADO integrates these time-honored leatherworking methods, primarily used with cowhide, to craft fine cordovan leather.

  • Life is Timeless
    Life is Timeless

    Scratches and wrinkles that are left on articles over time become evidence of an enriched life.Let's take a look at three stories that depict the fascinating relationships between people and leather.