COLORS Real Wood Case collection

COLORS is a Japanese company producing some of the best wooden cases available for the iPhone. The collection is the result of a sculpting technique called "Ittoh Bori", literary meaning "single knife carving", a traditional craft mastered by Japanese sculptors from Gifu-Takayama. 

The Real Wood Cases are carved with either a flat head knife (平刀一刀彫), or a U-shaped knife (丸刀一刀彫), and wood choices include Cherry (Sakura), Walnut (Kurumi), Yew (Ichii) and Maple (Kaede). The eight choices I just mentioned are just the uncoloured cases… and out of a single type of wood. COLORS is  also producing some even more luxurious cases, so stay tuned for more info!

※"Ichii" is a name of tree and also related to "Shoichii Title", the highest title given by emperor. Upon accession of the emperor about 800 years ago, the scepter (ladle) made from this "Ichii" tree was presented from Hida region to the emperor. Because it was more beautiful and high-quality than others made from different materials, it was given the highest "Shoichii Title."

Later, its academic name became formally "Ichii" and it is still used at the emperor accession.

Ichii Ittoh Bori carving is a woodcraft technique that involves carving yew wood using only chisels, and was developed by a netsuke master, Matsuda Sukenaga, who came from the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture about 200 years ago. Ichii Ittoh carving is characterized by a fine grain, because the growth rings of the yew are very fine. The wood is left uncolored in order to highlight this grain. A sculpture made from such precious wood, "Ichii" by a craftsman who puts his/her heart respectfully in each carve is called Ichii Ittoh Bori (One Knife Carving).