Our Story

As An Artist's Vision

Kathwari of Kashmir Rugs, Carpets, Textiles

Kathwari of Kashmir was originally, but in many ways still is, Tariq’s Designs. It was a brand and business conceptualized and created by Tariq Kathwari.

An artisan, Kathwari, spent most of his youth working with craftsmen in Kashmir, India. Tariq had a talent for taking a simple design and reproducing them on Kashmiri chain-stitch rugs and to make for a more brilliant display of color and style.

He’s known for his skill in integrating diverse elements of design from his travels and international exhibitions. After living in New Mexico, he introduced a collection Native American kilim rugs and designs using a rich variety of texture and themes.

Tariq Kathwari was an artist. He often spent time doodling designs for his textiles, while he studied at Pace University for a degree in Fine Arts. He would draw and paint, but he would mostly enjoy seeing his work come to life on textiles.

Kathwari of Kashmir has a unique high-end collection of handmade floor coverings and tapestries such a as kilims, antique tribal carpets, and crewel furnishings that present Tariq’s artistic vision.

The company has grown through innovation and design, and supplied its products to stores like Bloomingdales, Saxony Carpet, and Stark in America; Jaypore; Galleria Lafayette in Paris; Corte Ingeles in Spain; Bijenkorf in Holland; and Stockmann in Finland, to name a few.

Kathwari of Kashmir works with the best craftsmen in Kashmir to produce fine materials from pure silk, sheep's wool, and pashmina. His work has been featured in many museums and exhibitions, and the website features some his unique designs.

The Legacy

Kashmiri Rugs, Carpets, Textiles

After Tariq’s passing in 2014, his daughter, Meral Kathwari, who had originally been working with him on marketing projects, decided to carry on his legacy and continue the business for loyal costumers from all over the world.

She continues to work with the same craftsmen to see her father’s artistic vision come to life to support the unique crafts of Kashmir.