Jaipur Rugs has introduced its latest design collaboration, FACES, created with acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, at Milan Design Week 2026.
The collection translates the architectural language of Kuma’s work into handcrafted textile form, marking a unique convergence of architecture and carpet design.
Architecture Reimagined Through Textiles
Comprising 16 rugs, the FACES collection explores the “faces” of Kuma’s buildings—interpreting their façades, structural rhythms, and layered compositions through weaving techniques and material innovation.
Rather than direct replication, the designs capture the essence of architectural expression, transforming it into tactile, three-dimensional surfaces that reflect light, depth, and movement.
Kuma described the concept as a reinterpretation of architectural memory:
“What emerges is not a literal translation, but a tactile memory of architecture that feels soft, warm and deeply embedded in everyday living spaces.”
A Multi-Venue Showcase in Milan
The collection is being presented across multiple locations during Milan Design Week, including the Salone del Mobile, Jaipur Rugs’ showroom, and the Crespi Bonsai Museum.
At the Crespi Bonsai Museum, Jaipur Rugs has created a special installation set within Japanese gardens, reinforcing the cultural dialogue between Japanese architectural philosophy and Indian craftsmanship.
Natural Materials and Subtle Design Language
Aligned with Kuma’s design ethos, the collection emphasizes natural materials and restrained color palettes. Rugs feature earthy tones such as beige, taupe, brown, and grey, enhanced by monochrome contrasts.
Each piece is handcrafted by artisans in Rajasthan using wool and regenerated viscose, combining softness with structural precision to achieve the collection’s signature three-dimensional effects.
Inspired by Iconic Architectural Projects
Several designs draw directly from Kuma’s renowned projects. Pieces such as SUKIMA and BOKASHI reinterpret elements from the Suntory Museum of Art in Tokyo, while others reference architectural details from projects in Gunma, Aichi, and France.
These influences translate into layered textures, subtle gradients, and rhythmic patterns that bridge architecture and interior design.
Craft Meets Contemporary Design
According to Greg Foster, Artistic Director at Jaipur Rugs, the collaboration pushes the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship:
“The carpets are immediately recognisable as the facades of some of Kengo Kuma’s most famous buildings, brought to life through innovative 3D design techniques.”
Founded in 1978, Jaipur Rugs now works with more than 40,000 artisans across 7,000 looms, with a strong focus on empowering rural communities—particularly women, who make up the majority of its weaving network.
A Cross-Cultural Design Statement
The FACES collection highlights a growing trend in the global design industry—where traditional craftsmanship is increasingly integrated with contemporary architecture and artistic vision.
By bridging Japanese design philosophy and Indian hand-weaving expertise, Jaipur Rugs continues to position itself at the intersection of heritage and innovation on the international stage.
