# Sooty Water Purifying Systems Charcoal by Formafantasma is Artistically Sculptural By Meghan Young | Published 2012-06-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charcoal-by-formafantasma References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2012/06/sculpted-charcoal-water-purifiers.html) & [formafantasma](http://www.formafantasma.com/) Charcoal by Formafantasma is a sculptural water purifying system based around a technique that has been used in Japan since the 17th century. In place of basic sticks of charcoal, however, which has been used in similar modern interpretations for daily use such as the [Eau Good Water Bottle](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eau-good-water-bottle), Charcoal by Formafantasma revolves around a much more artistic aesthetic. As part of the Confrontations exhibition held by the [Vitra Design Museum](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archiplan-compact-basin-collection) in Germany, Charcoal by Formafantasma is deeply rooted in Swiss tradition despite the Japanese reference. The unique shapes were once made out of wood that had been irrevocably charred and then sculpted into various shapes. These shapes mimic such everyday objects as a paddle, lid, funnel and ladle. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Artistic Water Purifying Systems:** Opportunity for artists and designers to create visually appealing and functional water purification systems. - **Revival of Traditional Techniques:** Opportunity to reinterpret traditional methods and incorporate them into modern designs. - **Sculptural Charcoal Filtration:** Opportunity to innovate charcoal filtration systems by creating sculptural and aesthetically pleasing designs. ### Where This Applies - **Design and Art:** Designers and artists can explore new ways to incorporate water purification into their creations. - **Home and Appliance:** Home appliance companies can develop artistic and visually appealing water purifying systems for consumers. - **Sustainable Living:** Opportunity for sustainable living companies to offer unique and aesthetically pleasing water filtration solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vibrant Metal Water Purifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conecto.md) - [Water-Purifying Water Jugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luvia.md) - [Bulbous Clay-Made Water Filters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biologique-water-filter.md) - [Avant-Garde Water Purifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oasium-water-purifier.md) - [Avant-Garde Water Purifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oasium.md) - [Stackable Electricity-Free Water Filters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electricityfree-water-filter.md) - [Stealthy Water Purifier Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stonewell.md) - [Swedish-Engineered Water Purifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aarke-purifier.md) - [Blocky Water Purifier Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quming-delight.md)