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Our sumptuous Japonais and New Japonais fabrics are based on an 18th century French design and feature a reversible pattern, intricately woven into a fabric that is both luxurious and durable.
The Making of Japonais
George Smith Japonais is meticulously woven using responsibly sourced cotton and linen. Beautiful and timeless, Japonais is created exclusively for George Smith by the expert historical reproduction specialists Gainsborough Fabrics in Suffolk. The fabric is available in three shimmering colourways: Celadon; Sable and Spice. Simply exquisite, the silky finish creates a look that is both classic and eye-catching.
We love this fabric so much that we took the original Japonais design and developed the New Japonais range, using a more durable fabric whilst retaining an air of sophistication and a dash of luxe. New Japonais is available in five iridescent colour-ways: Antique Gold; Ivory; Eggplant; Gooseberry and Steel Blue.
History of the Damask Fabric
The word Damask derives its name from the city of Damascus, the capital city of Syria, colloquially referred to as the ‘City of Jasmine’. Production of Damask was one of the five basic weaving techniques of the byzantine and middle eastern textile industry.
The first appearance of the word “Damask’ in Western Europe was a French reference in the 14th century; this luxurious fabric was reserved for royalty, draped and upholstered throughout the grand halls of chateaux and palaces.
Originally damasks were monochromatic with a silky pattern against a duller ground. Damasks later became polychromatic through the addition of gold and other metallic threads, or further colours as supplemental brocading wefts.
Usually crafted from silk, Damasks can also be woven from wool and linen, often displaying beautiful floral patterns. The satin warp and weft threads create soft highlights which reflect the light differently according to the perspective of the onlooker, creating an almost magical effect.
Lusciously squashy, the Ottoman Chair with its attached cushion seat is beautifully upholstered in New Japonais Steel Blue.
With its sweeping arms and buttoned back, this Paris Chair is upholstered in the luxurious Japonais Celadon.
Our Signature Chair, with its rolled ‘English’ arms and plump feather and down cushions, has been upholstered with a loose cover in New Japonais Ivory.
Beautifully upholstered with the most comfortable feather and down cushions, this Bolster Sofa has been upholstered in contrasting fabrics of New Japonais Steel Blue and Mohair French Blue.
Beautifully upholstered with the most comfortable feather and down cushions, this Bolster Sofa has been upholstered in contrasting fabrics of New Japonais Steel Blue and Mohair French Blue.
George Smith Damask Fabrics
George Smith Damask fabrics are finely woven to ensure the quality is of the highest standard. On upholstered furniture, they make a bold and refined statement in any interior space.
Throughout the luxury boutique hotel Relais Christine in Paris, a variety of Damask fabrics can be found on many different items of George Smith furniture. Laura Gonzalez from Pravda Architecture designed the beautiful interior, using our Damask upholstered furniture to elevate the elegant space.
Newly renovated, this delightful luxurious boutique hotel has managed to preserve the intimacy of the private residence it once was. The interior design, by Laura Gonzalez of Pravda, is a mixture of influences from various periods.
Re-opened in mid-March of 2019 with an invitation-only Grand re-opening event, Raven Vanguard's sensual Music Room is an entirely unique, visual and tactile approach to interior design.
