Artful Craftsmanship and Tradition at Ashtari Carpets
Timeless Living paid a visit to Ashtari Carpets, a contemporary rug house in Antwerp where art meets craftsmanship, tradition, and creativity. This is a place where inspiring collaborations take shape, offering both modern, decorative rugs and rare antique collectible pieces. The passionate duo, Reza Ashtari and Wendy Guns, shared their love for the art of carpet knotting. “I grew up surrounded by carpets, continuing the passion my father started when he founded the business in 1969,” Reza explains. “With my father as my mentor, I was gradually introduced to the complex yet fascinating world of carpet knotting.”
Reza and Wendy first met in 2000 and decided to take the business further in 2015. Together, they infused new energy into the company, creating a unique space that weaves contemporary carpet design with traditional craftsmanship. Ashtari Carpets is synonymous with originality, quality, and personal service. “Our personal approach is essential to our customers,” Wendy notes. “Rugs come in many shapes, colors, and styles, but finding the perfect one is a very specific process for each home. That’s why we offer a complimentary service where we present selected pieces at the client’s home to ensure the right fit. Every home has its own atmosphere and color palette.”
This year promises to be an exciting one for the interior world, with a collaboration between two Belgian brands: Ethnicraft and Ashtari Carpets. Together, they’ve crafted a beautiful Kilim rug collection characterized by authenticity and sustainability, proving that rugs bring warmth and coziness to any home. On display is the *Dunes Rug*, hand-knotted using Persian techniques to create a loose, high-pile finish. Made from handspun, locally sourced wool, these rugs masterfully blend texture, durability, and quality with a refined, laid-back vibe.
Custom Creations
Ashtari takes full control of the production process, enabling them to design and produce bespoke rugs, offering endless possibilities. In their in-house studio, they create custom designs tailored to the needs of their clients. They also offer ready-made rugs sourced from local traders and nomadic tribes from countries like Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Nepal, and India. These one-of-a-kind pieces are handpicked by Ashtari and available for immediate delivery. Additionally, their collection features collaborations with architects, interior designers, and artists such as Christian Wijnants, Muller Van Severen, Tim Van Steenbergen, Jeanne Detallante, and Boy & Erik Stappaerts.
Artistic Collaborations
Following a successful collaboration with Muller Van Severen and Valerie Traan Gallery, Ashtari has launched a second rug design: *Carpet Blue/Yellow*, based on an original drawing by Muller Van Severen. This rug, featuring over 46 colors, is beautifully imperfect and unpredictable. Many of these collaborations are so extraordinary that the rugs are often displayed as wall art in clients' homes.
In September 2022, Antwerp-based contemporary artist Boy & Erik Stappaerts installed massive color walls at the grand reopening of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA). His *Polarization Red and Blue* abstract paintings served as inspiration for Ashtari’s hand-knotted rug versions of his artwork, creating two stunning modern masterpieces.
Ashtari also introduced the new Kilim Rugs collection in collaboration with Ethnicraft. These rugs, made from locally sourced sustainable wool, showcase a perfect blend of craftsmanship, aesthetics, and tradition. The subtle nuances and color variations result in unique, one-of-a-kind rugs that suit every space in your home.
