Furniture Carved by Nature, One of a Kind

Using Akane wood, a unique material from Kishu in Wakayama Prefecture, one of Japan’s forestry centers, I designed furniture. Akane wood is timber that has been eaten by the larvae of an insect called Sugino Akanetorakamikiri, leaving insect holes. Despite having no issues with strength or durability, this wood was often discarded as defective material.
However, we took advantage of the unique appearance of Akane wood and designed two chairs. One design highlights the beauty of large wooden boards, and the other is a design with a thick, carved curved surface.
By doing this, we aim not only to raise awareness about environmental issues but also to promote the generous aesthetic sensibility characteristic of Kishu by seeing beauty in what has traditionally been seen as defects.

Comment from Kengo Kuma, Architect and Special Professor and Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo