New Moon

FAMILY TIES

Our founder — artist and renowned rug historian, John Kurtz — has had a lifelong appreciation for art and craftsmanship. After studying at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, he dedicated his career to spreading awareness and celebrating the art of hand-knotted rugs.

In 1993, John developed an outlet for his creative process by taking his more than 20 years of experience dealing antique rugs to create original designs under the New Moon label. After discovering an extraordinary partner in Nepal with whom he could make his vision a reality, New Moon was born. 

Since 2004, John’s daughter Erika Kurtz has guided the business into the next generation, thanks to her formative years spent traveling and learning the industry with her father and sisters. 

Today, Erika’s daughter Izzy is following in her footsteps — participating in the design process, experiencing Nepalese culture, and exploring her budding passion for handcrafted rugs — continuing the Kurtz family tradition that New Moon has become.