designboom · Creativity & design

Japanese Craft Traditions Inspire New Loudspeaker Collection

VOID Inc. has launched Animism Objects, a new loudspeaker collection that merges traditional Japanese craft techniques with contemporary audio design. The project will be showcased at the London Design Festival 2026.

The collection draws inspiration from the San'in region of Japan, known for its ancient creation myths and a worldview where nature is integral to daily life and ritual. This region is also the source of three distinct artisanal practices: Washi (handmade paper from plant fibers), Aizome (traditional indigo dyeing), and Yakisugi (charred cedar wood for durability).

Each of these techniques is applied to the surface of the speakers, creating unique tactile and visual characteristics. The visible traces of the materials and the craftspeople's work connect the finished products to a legacy of knowledge and care.

The first Animism Objects collection features three limited editions—Washi, Aizome, and Yakisugi—each limited to 10 sets. These finishes explore the interplay between the speakers' modern forms and the historical processes used in their creation.

Conceptually, the project is rooted in Animism, viewing people, nature, and objects as interconnected. For the London exhibition, this concept is explored through the fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, modern technology, and contemporary design.

Animism Objects aims to demonstrate how inherited knowledge and traditional materials can be integrated into contemporary products, positioning craftsmanship not just as preservation but as a vital practice for informing new designs and their relationship with everyday life.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.