Wood Block Speaker (for smartphone)

Wood Block Speaker (for smartphone)

300-Year Keyaki Series
Wood Block Speaker (for smartphone)

A speaker for smartphones that needs no power. Keyaki (zelkova) has a strong Japanese image, but by stacking three square blocks with a twist, we created a striking, playful and beautiful shape. The inside has a special structure that amplifies sound, so simply inserting your smartphone into the groove on top increases the volume. Not only does the volume go up, but passing through the wood also transforms the sound into something softer.

About the craftsman

300-Year Keyaki Series
By chance, we were given keyaki (zelkova) pillars and beams used in an earthen storehouse built in the early Taisho era (about 100 years ago). The wood still shows traces of joinery, nail holes and cracks, but keyaki is a prestigious timber often used in shrines and temples, and above all, this keyaki has lived for about 300 years, including the age of the tree. Large furniture might be impossible, but perhaps we could make small items for everyday use. With that thought, we made the most of the texture of the naturally dried keyaki and turned it into the "300-Year Keyaki Series," upcycled products with added value rather than simple recycling.

Specifications