Jan Kath Design – Tradition re-knotted

Industrial backdrop meets craftsmanship

Old steel beams, lifting cranes, and raw walls form an exciting contrast to the color-intensive, detailed rugs. Large-format pieces hang from the ceiling on temporary walls or lie artistically stacked on the hall floor; here, ancient craftsmanship and industrial scenery unite.

This fusion of opposites also shapes the designs of Jan Kath. No single style defines the label; rather, it is a consistent authenticity that is reflected in every rug. Traditional oriental patterns merge with modern, minimalist elements, while abstract color compositions stand alongside photorealistic motifs. The designs could hardly be more different—and yet they all bear the same signature.

At the heart of it all is the craft. Production is carried out exclusively using natural raw materials; even the yarn is made by hand. The rugs are knotted in Nepal, India, and Morocco. Within just 6.45 square centimeters—one square inch—there are between 100 and 450 knots. The precision and patience inherent in every rug became clear when guests were allowed to try knotting their first stitches in the Tibetan technique under the guidance of Sanchir Kath, the designer's son.

Traditional motifs in a new appearance

Jan Kath also views his work as a contribution to cultural preservation. Traditional patterns should not disappear but be reinterpreted for a contemporary generation. He finds inspiration in the aesthetics of nomadic tents and blankets as well as in historical rugs that can hardly be found today.

This approach is particularly evident in the combination of classic oriental motifs—the "Mother"—with contemporary minimalism. The rugs initially leave the loom in their original form; they then receive their characteristic antique look through a special process involving fire and water. Crafted from Chinese silk and wool from the Tibetan highlands, the heat creates a vibrant "Erased Finishing" effect, as wool and silk burn down to different degrees. Depending on the light, the color effect of the rug changes significantly due to the relief-like 3D optics. Originally, this technique served to clean the back of rugs; today, Jan Kath Design uses it to achieve an antique effect without chemical additives.

Innovative rug art with unmistakable style

Another unique technique characterizes the new "Gol Nura" collection. Floral motifs, inspired by resilient desert flora, are created by combining the classic Tibetan knot with the Sumak flat-weave technique. This forms a sculpting high-low effect that gives the designs a three-dimensional appearance.

Individual design options are also part of the brand philosophy: the size, format, and materials of the rugs can be freely chosen, with over 1,200 shades available. Different collections can also be combined with one another.

Jan Kath realized his first photo shoot in the old coking plant at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein in Essen—a place that, like few others, represents the dialogue between industrial history and contemporary design. Since then, the rugs have received numerous awards, including the Red Dot Design Award 2025. The "Doto" model from the "Cyprinus" collection is currently exhibited in the Red Dot Design Museum and can be seen there until summer 2026.