Ten Years of Zanat
A Celebration of Craft, Culture and Quiet Power
Some stories stay with you. They speak through material, memory, and meaning - quietly powerful, unmistakably human. Zanat is one of those stories.
As the Bosnian design brand marks 10 years since its international debut, what’s being celebrated is more than a business milestone. It’s a deep and ongoing dialogue between past and present, heritage and innovation, hand and heart. For Erna Walsh, Founder and Director of K5 Furniture, the connection runs even deeper.
“I first encountered Zanat at their inaugural exhibition in Milan,” she recalls. “There was this overwhelming sense of pride, recognition - even emotion. These weren’t just beautiful objects. They were part of a language I had always known.”
That moment, shared with her son Matt, became the start of a journey - one that would see K5 become Zanat’s exclusive Australian partner and storyteller.
“These weren’t just beautiful objects. They were part of a language I had always known.”
Craft Rooted in Place
Zanat’s origins lie in the mountain town of Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where generations of woodcarvers have shaped timber into intricate, meaningful forms. In 2015, brothers Orhan and Adem Nikšić chose to reimagine that legacy - not by leaving it behind, but by opening it up to the world.
Their decision to collaborate with leading designers from around the globe marked the beginning of something extraordinary: a brand that honours the traditions of its hometown while shaping a future rooted in sustainability, artistry, and timeless design.
In 2017, Konjic woodcarving was inscribed onto UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list - a recognition Zanat helped champion.
A Personal and Professional Bond
For Erna, Zanat represents more than a shared design philosophy - it reflects a personal story of heritage and belonging.
“Every time I see or touch a Zanat piece, I’m reminded of the people and culture behind it. There’s an emotional bond. Their work is a testament to the importance of preserving tradition in a way that still feels fresh, contemporary, and deeply relevant.”
This emotional connection is what makes Zanat so meaningful to share. Through K5 Furniture, Erna introduces the brand to Australian architects and designers who value slow, intentional craftsmanship - and who understand that great design is not just about how something looks, but how it makes us feel.
A Decade of Global Collaboration
Zanat’s 2025 anniversary collection brings together a dynamic group of designers, including Naoto Fukasawa, Monica Förster, Patrick Norguet, and for the first time, Yves Béhar. The results are poetic and sculptural, yet grounded in touchable, tactile detail.
Highlights include:
Rye stool by Yves Béhar - a graceful play on natural bifurcation, where structure and flow converge.
Mostar stool and Drvo table by Naoto Fukasawa - pieces inspired by Bosnian landscapes and architectural forms.
Kala bowls by Monica Förster - fluid, organic, and meditative in form.
Each piece is hand-carved in Zanat’s Konjic workshop, where tradition is honoured not as nostalgia, but as a source of design innovation.
Bringing Zanat to Australia
Zanat’s values resonate deeply with Australian design culture - where care, craftsmanship, and material honesty are held in high regard.
“Australian clients are incredibly attuned to how things are made,” Erna says. “There’s an openness here to pieces that are slower, quieter, and more soulful - especially when the story behind them is so rich.”
For Erna, introducing Zanat to Australia is more than a professional achievement - it’s a personal mission.
“It’s a privilege to act as a bridge between Zanat’s Bosnian roots and Australia’s vibrant design landscape. My hope is that people not only appreciate the beauty of the work, but also feel the humanity and heritage within it.”
Looking Ahead
Ten years on, Zanat continues to stand apart - not for chasing trends, but for carving a different path. One where material, memory, and meaning are treated with equal care.
Through K5 Furniture, we are proud to help tell this story. A story of resilience, refinement, and connection - and one we believe will resonate for many years to come.
Explore the Collection
Zanat’s 2025 collection is now available through K5 Furniture.
To explore the full range or experience the pieces in person, visit our showrooms or browse online.