There is something inherently poetic about objects whose silhouettes carry centuries of culture. The gat, a traditional hat finely woven from bamboo and horsehair—was worn by scholars and noblemen during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty.
Defined by its cylindrical crown and sweeping, translucent brim, it wasn’t just headwear, but a quiet emblem of dignity, scholarship, and social grace.
Drawing inspiration from the Confucian philosophy of Ongojisin (“warming the old to discover the new”), the team at SAQ Design has reinterpreted this historic silhouette into GAT, an ambient light that seamlessly bridges ancestral heritage and modern living.
Rather than merely mimicking an antique, the GAT lamp translates the hat’s architectural language into everyday function.
Its tall cylindrical body features delicate horizontal grooves that evoke the fine texture of woven horsehair.
Hidden within is a lattice pattern reminiscent of traditional hanji paper window screens; when switched on, the light casts a soft, amber glow that recreates the serene warmth of a candlelit room. Turned off, it stands as a sculptural, quietly grounding centerpiece.
Functionality is woven into every detail:
- Everyday Tray: The gently dished, wide brim functions naturally as a catchall for keys, rings, or earbuds at the end of the day.
- Wall or Tabletop: A subtle groove underneath allows the light to be mounted flat against the wall—paying homage to how traditional gats were hung in Korean homes as artful artifacts.
- Intuitive Assembly: The lighting module fastens into place with a subtle twist, mirroring the deliberate ritual of placing and securing a gat on one’s head.
Historically, a gat was sometimes set over a flame to diffuse its light, making the connection between the hat and illumination far more literal than metaphorical. With the GAT lamp, SAQ Design has brought that historical pairing full circle, creating a tranquil, multi-functional object that feels right at home in modern interiors.
Design by [SAQ Design].
