Caucasus Qafe

CAUCASUS QAFE revives an almost forgotten chapter of textile history. The Greater Caucasus, the border range between Europe and Asia, was once considered the cradle of countless carpet motifs. Their ornaments carried religious symbolism, ancient cults, and mythical ideas of nature. During the Soviet era this depth was lost: factories became automated, hand-spun wool was replaced by industrial goods, and artistic quality declined.

CAUCASUS QAFE revives an almost forgotten
chapter of textile history. The Greater Caucasus,
the border range between Europe and Asia, was once
considered the cradle of countless carpet motifs.
Their ornaments carried religious symbolism,
ancient cults, and mythical ideas of nature.
During the Soviet era this depth was lost:
factories became automated, hand-spun wool
was replaced by industrial goods,
and artistic quality declined.

Jan Kath discovered rare carpets from pre-communist times and transformed their motifs into a contemporary formal language – using the characteristic erased effects for which he is known. The old patterns appear eroded, overlaid with an abstract veil. What initially appears to be an act of destruction turns out to be a visual echo: of transience, cultural change – and the beauty of imperfection.

Jan Kath discovered rare carpets from
pre-communist times and transformed their
motifs into a contemporary formal
language – using the characteristic erased effects
for which he is known. The old patterns appear
eroded, overlaid with an abstract veil.
What initially appears to be an act of destruction
turns out to be a visual echo: of transience,
cultural change – and the beauty of imperfection.