Soil

GEM Drying Board

$ 52

Made with an all-new, highly absorbent material (GEM) to absorb liquid efficiently to dry dishes faster.

A unique mixture of Keisodo (diatomaceous earth) and vermiculite creates a complex and highly-porous structure with superior absorptive capabilities. 

Breezy, Moisture-retaining, and Absorbent
The exceptional absorbency, moisture-retaining properties, and breathability of natural soil—the bounty of nature is effortlessly condensed in pleasantly organic designs that are gentle on your skin and easy on the environment. 

Soil uses special plastering techniques to fashion Keisodo (diatomaceous earth) into functional products that breathe as naturally as the earth. Keisodo, frequently used as a wall plaster, has the ability to regulate humidity. By retaining just the right amount of moisture, containers made of Keisodo are able to preserve both the freshness and juiciness of garlic and ginger, and the coarse dryness of salt. 

The porous quality of Keisodo allows it to absorb moisture instantly. Soil offers a variety of products that take advantage of the characteristic lightness, thinness, and durability of Keisodo. The “Bath Mat Light,” for example, is so absorbent it literally clings to the feet.

Keisodo (diatomaceous soil)
Keisodo is taken from the layer composed of plankton and other plant matter that accumulates on the bottom of seas and lakes. Its interior is composed of many fine, micrometer-sized (10-6m) pores, giving it excellent moisture-retaining and absorbent properties. Keisodo also naturally reduces odor and regulates humidity.

GEM
GEM is an all-new, highly absorbent material from soil. Made in Japan, it is a unique mixture of Keisodo (diatomaceous earth) and vermiculite that results in a complex, highly-porous structure to absorb liquid incredibly quickly and efficiently. A depressed line in the center of products increases the surface area for increased absorbency. GEM has a shiny texture due to tiny crystals in the vermiculite that play with the light differently at different angles.

Soil

A collaboration between Isurugi and h-concept, a renowned Tokyo design company. Isurugi is a plastering company that was established in Kanazawa in 1917 by Hanhichi Isurugi, the fourth generation in a family of plasterers. Isurugi has taken part in a number of large-scale renovations and restorations of historical buildings, including those at Zuiryū-ji Temple in Takaoka, Toyama, designated a National Treasure, and of Osaka and Kanazawa Castles, while also lending the company’s expertise to such modern architectural projects as Universal Studios Japan. The Osaka Dome and Kyoto train station building. In 2004, Isurugi introduced an art department and has been expanding into the design field with Soil.

GEM Drying Board

Dimensions
• 4.75" W x 11.5" L

Materials
• Keisodo (Diatomaceous Soil)
• Vermiculite

Weight
• 10.5 oz

Care
• This drying board should be used logo-side up.
• Rinse quickly with water and dry.
• For stains, use a soft brush to rinse, or treat with light bleach and rinse.
• For a decrease in absorbance, a quick rub with sandpaper will restore it to its original state. 

Origin
• Ishikawa, Japan