From village craft to the UNESCO World Heritage List, the wood-carving techniques perfected and preserved by Zanat were first discovered by Gano Niksic in a small village near Konjic. This technique, initially modest in its origins, would soon evolve into an art form of exceptional beauty and precision.

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Zanat’s vision caught the attention of renowned Scandinavian designers such as Monica Forster, Harri Koskinen, and Swedish architect Gert Wingardh. They were among the first to collaborate with the company, lending their contemporary sensibilities to the time-honored tradition of Konjic woodcarving. Together, they breathed new life into the craft, attracting international acclaim and opening new markets

Today, Zanat stands as a beacon of innovation and heritage. By hiring and training young artisans, the company is not only preserving a nearly lost craft but also creating new opportunities for the community. Zanat’s hand-carved furniture is now sought after by design connoisseurs worldwide, gracing high-end showrooms and prominent interior projects.

While the designs may evolve, the values that have defined Zanat for over a century remain steadfast. The company is committed to the satisfaction of its customers, the preservation of its cultural heritage, and the protection of the environment. When a customer selects a piece from Zanat, they are not simply acquiring a work of art; they are investing in a legacy—one that spans generations and continues to shape the future of design.

Hand-Carved by Heritage: The Soul of Zanat

For Zanat, craftsmanship isn’t merely a practice—it’s the essence of its identity. The company’s name itself, Zanat, means “craft” in Bosnian, a word that encapsulates both the philosophy and purpose driving this remarkable brand. At the center of Zanat’s mission is the belief that true artistry can also serve as a powerful tool for sustainability, culture, and human connection.

Unlike mass-produced furniture, Zanat’s process is deeply intimate. Designs are still sketched directly onto wood surfaces, and each piece is meticulously hand-carved using time-honored techniques passed down through four generations of the Niksic family. There is, of course, technical precision behind every chisel and cut—but there’s also joy. The act of carving is both craft and ritual, a celebration of the tactile beauty of wood and the creative spirit behind each unique design.

Many of the pieces produced by Zanat, as well as the woodcarving technique itself, have been recognized as part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national cultural heritage. Today, Zanat stands proudly as one of the key guardians of this tradition, committed to preserving and reimagining it for a global audience.

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Crafting a Legacy: From Village Discovery to Global Recognition

Over a century ago, Niksic encountered a primitive wood-carving technique and, under the guidance of pioneering artisans, refined it into an exceptional art form. His mastery led him to collaborate with furniture producers, showcasing hand-carved masterpieces at international fairs. It didn’t take long for the world to take notice of the Konjic woodcarvers, whose work was displayed at some of Europe’s most esteemed exhibitions, including the “Hungarian Millennium” in Budapest (1896), the Brussels International Exposition (1897), and the Exposition Universelle in Paris (1900).

The Niksic family’s legacy continued through the generations, expanding into a renowned export business known for its high-quality craftsmanship. In December 2017, the technique that Gano Niksic helped perfect was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, recognizing its cultural significance and unparalleled artistry.

While Zanat has grown and adapted over the years, it remains firmly rooted in its heritage. Today, the company continues to honor its origins by collaborating with contemporary Scandinavian designers, breathing new life into the UNESCO-listed hand-carving tradition.

Made for Visionaries, Chosen by Designers

At Lekker Home, we understand that exceptional spaces require more than beautiful objects—they require pieces with soul, story, and purpose. Through our Trade Program, design professionals gain exclusive access to Zanat, a brand that embodies the intersection of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary design thinking.

Zanat’s work has found a home in some of the world’s most thoughtful and award-winning spaces. Through collaborations with extraordinary architects, the brand has developed bespoke pieces for Fortune 500 companies, premium hotel chains and boutique hotels, acclaimed restaurants and cocktail bars, cultural institutions, and breathtaking private residences. Whether your project calls for a statement piece that sparks conversation or refined, sculptural detailing, Zanat delivers a rare blend of authenticity and innovation.

Our Trade Program provides industry professionals with exclusive pricing, personalized service, and access to one-of-a-kind design collections. Let us support your creative process with furniture that elevates not only your project, but the story behind it.

Design with legacy. Source with intention.

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