Originally harnessed by Japanese craftsmen over four hundred years ago for its natural purifying properties, activated charcoal has recently undergone something of a renaissance. What was once a little-known secret has transformed into a popular resource with hundreds of users and just as many uses. Its most creative interpretation may just be the Chikuno Cube, an ingeniously designed miniature air refresher that uses the properties of charcoal to banish odors and humidity around the house. In this special Deep Dive series, we explore the Chikuno Cube, from its origins in the charcoal kilns of Kyoto to the science behind its unusual honeycomb structure.  

Since 1908, Gato Mikio Co. Ltd. has been at the leading edge of more than 400 years of Japanese lacquerware. Experts at their craft, their collaborative style combines craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation like few of their contemporaries. Their collection showcases some of the best qualities of Japanese craftsmanship and, as such, has earned Gato a place as a Morihata favorite.