In the past we have featured the design work of Ryuichi Sakamoto – the Kuronan Cruiser and the Bearbricks were favorites of ours. His Touch Wood Phone for NTT Docomo may have trumped them both. “The phones are being created as a joint venture with the ‘more trees’ reforestation project founded by musician Ryuichi Sakamoto and others. They are made with specially treated wood from the thinned forests in Japan managed by the ‘more trees’ project. Each handset is unique featuring the particular grains, patterns and natural coloring of the tree from which it was made.” (luxist)

More looks at the NTT Docomo Japan Touch Wood Phones after the click.

Subtle design carries this new HTC Max 4G Phone as much as it’s use of progressive wireless technology. The HTC Max 4G is the first mobile phone in the world to integrate GSM/Wimax, a long range wireless technology that can transmit data at 70Mb/sec symmetrically (that means you can surf the web, talk over VOIP, and text all at the same time!) Design, the phone is flat and smooth, much like the iPhone, and includes a whopping 350hours of standby. Some downsides: it runs Windows Mobile and is only available over the Russian Yota Network, one of the few Wimax nets currently operating. (images via gizmodo/engadget/momist)

More views of the HTC Max 4G Wimax Phone after the jump.

Luxury mobile phones seem to have an endless lifespan in today’s mobile hungry world. While the iPhone and G1 cater to a consumer looking for all all inclusive mobile computer, the high end market continues to feed on the exclusives. Britian’s Vertu mobile phones for Ferrari are no exception. As Sybarites mentions, “Vertu have renewed their ties to Ferrari by launching a new collection of Ascent Ti phones directly inspired by Ferrari’s cars. The Ferrari Ascent Ti collection consists of three phones named after their respective colors…The battery cover of all three phones has been redesigned to resemble the hood of a Ferrari and features a three dimensional Cavallino on the battery cover as well as a smaller one on the front. The phones feature Ferrari inspired themes as well as ring tones featuring Ferrari engine sounds, only 2,009 examples of the Vertu Ferrari Ascent Ti Nero will be made.”

More views of the Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Collection after the jump.

Nokia has come out in Europe with a new version of their high end 8800 series. This is probably the nicest version to date that we have seen of the phone. The Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte, comes as the name hints, with a carbon upper, sapphire screen and lots of other nice high end details. All that does not come cheap though – the phone is priced at 1600 USD.

Have a look at some more detailed shots of the 8800 Carbon Arte after the jump.

Levis Strauss, the “Original” denim company has just launched a new product that you can probably find in almost every pair of jeans walking this Earth, “the original” Mobile Phone.

The Levis Mobile Phone from the original. Fitted in nonslip body, the Levis phone comes in metallic colors sliver, black, and copper brown and a screen which doubles as a mirror. Be sure to check the jump for detailed photos of the body and the micro screws holding it together.

The phone has all those normal features you need: media player, 64MB of storage, microSD, and the ability to play videos.. all for 520$US.

At this time, the phone looks to be available via Eastern European carrier, Fly Mobile.

More views after the jump.