#Japan #Tokyo #Naoto Fukasawa #ZANAT #Bosnian Craft

The World of ZANAT: A Celebration of Craft and Design

On December 14th, 2023, Actus, located in Aoyama, Tokyo, is hosting an exhibition that celebrates ZANAT, a Bosnian brand renowned for its meticulously handcrafted wooden furniture. This event not only showcases the beauty of traditional craftsmanship but also highlights its evolution within modern design contexts.

The exhibition spotlights a conversation held on October 31, 2023, featuring ZANAT's owner, Orhan Niksic, and internationally acclaimed designer Naoto Fukasawa. Their discussion revolved around the fruitful intersection of ZANAT's rich heritage and contemporary aesthetics, as well as the potential for innovative production methods in the AI era.

The Rich History of ZANAT

ZANAT's narrative is steeped in history, tracing back to the late 19th century when Niksic's great-grandfather, Gano Niksic, mastered the art of wood carving. This legacy has been preserved and passed down through four generations, garnering international acclaim and earning a spot on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list in 2017. Today, ZANAT collaborates with eminent designers such as Naoto Fukasawa, Monica Foster, and Patrick Norguet, merging traditional artisan skills with modern design philosophy to create innovative products that resonate globally.

While the brand may be less familiar in Japan, Bosnia and Herzegovina's rich cultural tapestry and geographic significance positioned it at the historical crossroads of Europe. Niksic shares that despite facing significant challenges, including World War II and the Bosnian War in the 1990s, the family persevered in its dedication to woodworking.

A Revival of Traditional Crafts

During the discussion, Niksic emphasized the need to adapt traditional craftsmanship to contemporary lifestyles. He reflected on his initial career as a banker and the pivotal moment in 2016 when he decided to leave that behind to breathe new life into the family business alongside his brother. They launched ZANAT with a vision of integrating modernity into traditional methods rather than discarding the old for the new.

Collaborating with Naoto Fukasawa

Naoto Fukasawa, during the Milan Salone 2022, found inspiration in ZANAT's unique aesthetic and decided to collaborate. Fukasawa expressed a keen interest in the artistry of ZANAT's woodwork and saw the potential for something extraordinary. His approach involved detailed directives, from design sketches to specifying how to carve the wood—marking a new chapter in his creative journey.

He appreciated ZANAT's dedication to sustainability and local craftsmanship. Using locally sourced walnut, cherry, and ash, ZANAT embraces a