At London Design Festival 2025, Tai Ping unveiled Ami, an avant-garde collection of rugs conceived by Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, co-founders of Ab Concept.

The Hong Kong architects and interior designers have created six designs in oval, round and rectangular shapes, redefining the classic silhouette of cable knit with a fresh twist, combining technical expertise with artistic skill to create a quiet sense of beauty.

Craft and materiality are hallmarks of Ng and Ngan. Ami is a reflection on scenery and heritage, incorporating natural wool and traditional knitting patterns inspired by Ng’s grandmother. In Japanese, Ami means ‘weave’, derived from the term Amimono, embodying the essence of creation through patience and passion.

The concept was born when they designed a plush cable-knit rug in beige-cream for their country home in the Karuizawa forest. With mountains becoming very cold in winter, the duo sought to create a sumptuous rug that would balance the dramatic surrounding landscape. With comfort in mind, they began to experiment with re-interpreting a classic cable-knit pattern as a 4×5.5m rug.

“I have always been fascinated with craft, and knitting in particular,” Ng says. “Ever since I was a child, knitting has been associated with a genuine expression of warmth and caring. My memories of watching my grandmother knit jumpers for us mean there is a timeless emotional connection through a handmade object. We liked the idea of creating a sense of down-to-earth, relaxed luxury that also embraces values of sustainability.”

Working closely with Tai Ping’s artisans, Ng and Ngan explored the pure geometry of knitting with mathematical precision, using hand-tufted techniques. Special hand-finishing includes needle point and crochet, with loop piles at multiple heights to highlight the sculptural three-dimensional woven landscape.

The result, a warm blend of soft, handmade carpets like hand-knitted jumpers, kindled the concept of a collection in an autumn palette of burnt orange, mustard yellow and sage with wool as the only material, experimenting with different techniques and accents created by needlepoint to mimic knitting.

“We were so excited when we saw the result of the first rug,” Ng continues. “The patterns are very simple and elegant yet quite complex, and the juxtaposition of geometric shapes creates a fresh, contemporary feel. It felt right for a living room where the panoramic view of nature is the main attraction. I was fascinated by how we could achieve a very different look with one material – wool – using different patterns and heights.”

Michelle Chu, design director of Tai Ping in Asia, adds: “We are delighted to show these new pieces at our London showroom, and to work with Ed and Terence to create such an innovative rug that still honours heritage, tradition and nature.”

Among the six rugs is ‘An’. Its name meaning calm, it is crafted in burnt orange colour in rectangular shape, akin to intricately knitted sweaters embody the needlepoint technique. The piece offers serene experiences, allowing people to feel deep comfort through simple touches.

‘Ikoi’ embodies the essence of repose and restfulness as it explores the geometry of knitting through hand-tufting and distinctive finishing techniques, including needlepoint. The result is a sculptural woven tapestry that exudes warmth and artistic sophistication.

‘Kara’ is designed in a cosy beige tone and a rectangular shape, reminiscent of intricately knitted sweaters. It features techniques such as cut-and-loop textures and varying pile heights, creating a three-dimensional woven masterpiece for the floor.

‘Wa’ is a harmonious blend of plush, handcrafted carpet in a soothing grey tone in a runner shape, inspired by the intricate patterns of knitted sweaters. Showcasing techniques like cut-and-loop textures and varying pile heights, it transforms into a three-dimensional woven masterpiece for the floor.

‘Sei’ evokes the tranquillity that carpets bring, offering serenity and relaxation, allowing people to feel deep comfort through simple, unspoken connections and gentle touches.

Finally, ‘Iyashi’ embraces the natural beauty of wool, showcased in a calming sage green hue that highlights its timeless quality with needlepoint technique. Its rounded form ensures integration into any space.

www.taipingcarpets.com