Audio vision: Ceramic speakers promote local craft

Tokyo – Japanese design studio Nendo has unveiled an audio speaker made of ceramic. The project is a contribution to the Revalue Nippon Project launched by former footballer Nakata Hidetoshi to revitalise traditional crafts in Japan.

Hidetoshi chose five curators, each of whom selected one ceramicist and one contemporary designer to collaborate on one piece. Nendo worked with potter Miysuke Masagasu, whose work springs from the traditions of local Kutani ware.

Masagasu’s red-glaze designs were fused with digital manufacturing techniques to create a set of audio speakers. The result is 1mm thick ceramic substrate with patterns in colours such as red, pink and green.

For more on how an ethnic look can get a modern makeover, read our Mix Mash Inspire.