Jaipur Rugs unveils Jaanwar – The Wild Ones, a striking new collection by architect and designer Kunaal Kyhaan Seolekar, reimagining traditional rug-making with organic, sculptural forms inspired by tribal artistry, mythological creatures and the primal beauty of nature. With this collection, Seolekar brings his distinctive artistic language—marked by biomorphic forms, bold material experimentation and a deep reverence for craft—into the world of luxury hand-knotted rugs.

A Parsons School of Design graduate, Seolekar is an award-winning architect, interior designer and creative visionary known for his explorations in form, materiality and cultural storytelling. Founder of KOY, KOYTOY and studioHAUS, his work blurs the boundaries between architecture, interior design and product design, bridging Indian heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Having exhibited at Milan Design Week and other global platforms, he is recognised for his ability to transform craft traditions into modern expressions. The Jaanwar collection for Jaipur Rugs is an extension of this approach—a translation of ancient Indian iconography into functional, immersive art pieces.

Aptly named Jaanwar, meaning ‘creature’ in Hindi, the collection is a celebration of the untamed spirit, featuring rugs inspired by mythical tigers, serpents and symbolic motifs. These forms are further enriched with semi-precious stone embellishments, intricate fringes and talismanic elements, evoking spiritual symbolism found in lingams, the evil eye and organic sacred lines. The designs reference Gond Art from Central India, a tribal painting tradition known for its rhythmic compositions and bold use of colour, resulting in mesmerising, textural illusions within the woven patterns.

The interplay of colours balances vibrancy with a soothing contrast, reminiscent of the tropical landscapes these wild animals call home. The colour palette is deeply rooted in nature, with rich blues, fiery reds, earthy greens and glowing yellows, mirroring the vibrancy of tropical landscapes and native wildlife. The varied pile heights, wavy patterns and fringed trims add further dimension, allowing the rug designs to become sculptural elements within a space. Among the highlights is a set of rugs inspired by shed serpent skins, woven from highly durable PET yarns, making them ideal for outdoor use while retaining an artistic, handcrafted essence.

Photographed by Hansraj Dochaniya in Pushkar, Rajasthan, the collection’s campaign is deeply intertwined with India’s tribal heritage. It draws parallels between centuries-old performance traditions and the movement inherent in the Jaanwar rugs. Featuring the Sahariyas, a nomadic tribal dancing community situated on the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and the Bhil community, whose annual dance-drama in honour of Goddess Gavari blends storytelling with movement.

In this performance, participants collaborate to form a distinct shape resembling various forms, like a human elephant. The theatrical presentation is a fusion of storytelling, incorporating myths, dance, tribal traditions, re-enactments of historical events and satirical political commentary. In the Jaanwar collection, Seolekar has woven a narrative that transcends time by inviting people to immerse themselves in the wild elegance of ancient cultures and untamed landscapes. The rugs are a portal to an unknown era, evoking an air of the exotic that captivates the senses. Each rug, a piece of art, stands as a testament to the fusion of creativity and craftsmanship, where the extraordinary becomes an everyday experience.