RITUAL UNION

Finland and Japan share a cultural kinship for many things, but good design and bathing rituals are two of the most pronounced. So, when Japanese designer Koichi Futatsumata was invited to create a piece of furniture for Artek as part of the brand’s ‘FIN/JPN Friendship Collection’, he looked to the realm of wellness. ‘Kiulu’ is the Finnish word for the buckets used in public baths and saunas in both countries, and forms the basis of the ‘Kiulu’ bench – plywood storage buckets flank both ends for a multifunctional piece that can be used in any room. From £1,091 for a natural laquer finish, Aram Store (aram.co.uk).