The remarkable fabrics featured in this collection are all inspired by Jim Thompson’s own Asian art collection on display at Jim Thompson’s house. The blue and white Ming porcelain, the traditional 17th century Thai paintings, the Khmer bronze statues, even wood carvings from the traditional Thai house all play an integral part in weaving together this splendid collection of fabrics. And there could be no other than French designer Paul Bidault, who shares Jim Thompson’s affinity for Asia, who would so flawlessly reinterpret these ancient treasures in his fabric designs.

Bidault combines traditional and contemporary print-making techniques to recreate the antiquated, wear-and-tear look that would find a natural place in any Asian-inspired household. Surawong, inspired by 17th century paintings in the House, has an aged essence honouring the painting’s original beauty and patina that can only be achieved through time. Jim’s Dream, another masterpiece, inspired by Jim Thompson’s favourite painting depicting the story of silk-making, appears on home furnishing fabrics for the first time after serving as the “symbol” of Jim Thompson all these years. Equally astounding are prints of the fish motifs taken from blue and white Ming porcelain. And perhaps serving as the perfect allegory to prove that both Bidault and Jim Thompson’s “Asian connection” is in full bloom, La Pivoine – the Peonie of the Orient – is a fitting testament to their insatiable passion for Asia.

	Surawong 3270/01-03- 100% cotton Inspired by landscape paintings from the 17th century. The “wear and tear” and crackled effect of the painting as it exists today is cleverly captured in Surawong, which adds to the beauty and charm of the printed fabrics.
	Jim’s Dream 3276/01- 100% Linen 3272/01-02- 70% cotton, 30% silk The “weaving scene”- the symbol of Jim Thompson- uses over a hundred colours in printing to achieve this intricate and delicate pattern, printed both on 100% linen and on a silk/cotton ground. Sophisticated print techniques enable the fabrics to replicate the “aged” beauty of the original painting. Available in three colourways on silk and cotton, and one stunning original “document” colourway on linen.
	Barramundi 3271/01-04- 62% linen, 38% cotton This fish design in the original blue and white colourway is taken straight out of Mr. Thompson’s Ming porcelain collection. Other interpretations of the design are in multi-colour tones of red, orange and indigo for a more fresh and fun approach to this stylized, traditional motif. Printed on a casual linen ground Barramundi is ideal for upholstery and drapery.
	La Pivoine 3274/01 100% silk 3275/01-02 100% silk 3269/01- 100% linen A bold Peonie design on a hand woven warp printed 6-ply silk for light upholstery. La Pivoine also exists on a 2-ply lighter weight silk for drapery and on a textured linen for heavy upholstery.

THE MARCO POLO COLLECTION
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