Within these walls

THE GLEAMING spires of Bangkok’s historic Wat Arun that reflect off the river as the sun rises to greet a new day have inspired the new collection of Jim Thompson that’s aptly been named Temple of Dawn.

Perfect for curtains and upholstery, the collection features more than 15 designs which are both elegant yet comforting. The Arun design illustrates the patina and whimsical design of a forest scene from the temple mural paintings printed on pure linen. The large-scale print of a magical forest with tropical plants and lively animals scurrying across an enchanted land is taken from Buddhist cosmology and faithfully retains a meditative sense of grace and serenity.

The pure silk velvet fabric called Chedi is the height of luxury and royal elegance. Hand finished to render a unique antique feel and appearance, Chedi is named for the sacred part of the temple that houses important relics. With 18 different colours from which to choose, this plush regal silk with its distinctive contrasting warp that catches the light in surprising and contrasting ways is an aristocratic among velvets.

For the Benja pattern, the exuberant smaller-scale toile print on linen is filled with historical motifs depicting scenes of a mythical Buddhist paradise with creatures from a tropical rain forest. Monkeys climb on craggy rocks and egrets swoop down on a lotus-filled lake. Named for the Sanskrit word meaning “five”, this pure linen fabric comes in five different colours ranging from quiet neutrals to a bold contemporary print that offsets vibrant turquoise with a chocolate background.

Named for the Mondop – a small, square or cruciform structure found in temple compounds, this truly elegant fabric combines a well-balanced mix of silk, linen and viscose. The jacquard weave highlights the subtle shading and enhances the interplay between matt and gloss surfaces. 

Jim Thompson is also expanding into wall coverings that complement its textile range. Wat Arun too serves as the focal point for the creation of the new wallpaper collection in eight designs focusing on earth tones and neutral choices to provide a sense of serenity.

As with the textiles, the whimsical details of a forest scene serve as the inspiration for the exotic landscape that has a captivating antique look and patina in the Arun pattern and is inspired by Buddhist cosmology.

Inspired by small repeat ikat patterns woven in traditional Siamese textiles, Kim is a lively design with a distinctive character that brings warmth and intimacy to any setting. With a metallic overlay and an ombre ground, this paper is imbued with a sense of life and movement. Mandarin Orchids is a reinvention of a pattern found on early Jim Thompson prints. Inspired by fine-line Chinese calligraphy drawings, the delicate orchid vines will twist along wall whilst full bloom orchids fall from their stem. The pattern boasts vertical height and lightness.

Last but far very from least, the bold design called Nalin finds its origin in Asian art. With both an ombre and strie effect, this paper gives the illusion of streaks of light and dark along a wall, as if clouds were passing by and hiding the sun.