Cistern Water Filter

Sculptural water filter, hand-carved of volcanic stone from the famous Popocatépetl volcano, the last active volcano in Mexico. Married with Tlalcspulin wood and hand-forged brass elements, this water filter designed by the stone master and artist Julio Martínez Barnetche, filters water in the ancient traditional way like they used to do it in the Mexica (Aztek) times. Water slowly sinks through the porous stone and can be collected with a pot below. A beautiful functional sculpture for a kitchen or in a restaurant or hotel.

Julio Martinez is an artist, sculptor and designer, but not just this, he is also a FOOD EXPERT and has explored a lot into food, its preparation and how it develops certain properties when cooking with ancient Mexican stones (the volcanic stone). Under this aspect, he has created an extensive range of cooking utensils in volcanic stone, ranging from vessels, and dishes, right up to ovens, heating systems, a man-sized water filter with Jade elements and a coffee maker, which he is convinced that it makes one of the best coffees in the world.
Each piece when used, also conveys a RITUAL, like cooking and eating are rituals. The objects provoke a thoughtful engagement with the elements of food-making and consumption. They make us curious to feel and experiment more when getting in touch with food and cooking and the way we are serving the food.
Apart from their usefulness, the pieces are at the same time sculptures and high craft. Each piece is carved by hand in a highly laborious process.