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Hero | En tidsresa genom hantverk, tradition och…

16/09/2024

A Journey Through Craftsmanship, Tradition, and Innovation

Zanat is a brand with a rich history spanning more than a century. The company was originally founded by Gano Nikšić in the late 1800s in Konjic, a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Gano learned a unique woodcarving technique from local craftsmen in Konjic—an art that was refined over time and became part of the family's heritage. By the late 1800s, the technique had gained international recognition, with works exhibited in Budapest, Brussels, Vienna, and Paris. 

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Unity Stool by Monica Förster 
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The award-winning Unna Chair is part of the Unna collection, designed by Monica Förster. A sturdy chair with a soft and humanistic design—sculpted from solid wood. It is a perfect blend of traditional Konjic woodcarving and modernism. 

This technique, which has been refined and passed down through four generations, has become part of the family's legacy and a symbol of Zanat's identity. In 2017, Konjic's woodcarving technique was inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage, thanks to the family's efforts to preserve this craft. 

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Nera Bowl

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The Nera collection by Monica Förster is one of Zanat's most popular collections, featuring a hand-carved base in European wood and customizable material options. 

The name Zanat means "craft" in Bosnian, and it is through craftsmanship that they realize their vision of universal sustainability—each product is a unique work of art, created using traditional hand-carving techniques directly on the wood surface. 

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Ilse Crawford's Touch collection combines simple lines and tactile details to create modern, timeless furniture. The carvings take two days and are done without drawings, making each product unique. 

At the core of Zanat is the union of traditional craftsmanship with modern design. This is why they collaborate with international designers, including Nordic designers such as Monica Förster, Harri Koskinen, and Gert Wingårdh. The result is collections that reflect the company's vision of merging tradition with modern innovation. 

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Tattoo Stool
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Designed by Gert Wingårdh and Sara Helder, Tattoo Stool is a great example of how modern design can interact with traditional craftsmanship. 

Zanat strives not only to create beautiful and functional furniture but also to contribute to a better future by creating jobs. In a world where automation threatens many professions, Zanat shows how craftsmanship and modern design can work together to create sustainable solutions. 

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Piano Table by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba 

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Stonehenge Stool by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba 
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Stonehenge is inspired by ancient, small stools from various cultures. The design combines sculptural forms and fine craftsmanship, speaking to our deep sense of home and belonging. 

The story of Zanat is a tale of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. Despite years of war and major political changes, the company has managed to preserve its unique technique. Every product is a part of Bosnia's cultural heritage, and thanks to the strong grounding in craft tradition, Zanat has become a unique brand on the global design scene. 

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