Chinese silk developed and prospered under the feudalist society in China. The pattern, embroidery, weaving and dyeing skills flourished during this time. It is the strength, texture richness of color that gives Chinese silk a fine, immaculate and aristocrat look and feel.
Legend holds that in ancient times, the wife of emperor Huang Di, Lei Zu taught people how to raise silkworms and how to extract the silk. Professional designers created novel patterns patronized by subsequent dynasties. The production of silk peaked during Han Dynasty and silk clothes were being exported to Rome. While during Yuan dynasty silk trade with South – East Asia developed at the time of Ming and Qing Dynasties, silk was transported to Europe and America. The overland trade route became famous as Silk Route
Major Chinese Brocade silk products are:
- Shu Brocade- Made in Sichuan, the variety of flowery design with predominantly red color reflects the flowery nature of the Shu community.
- Yun Brocade- Wide use of gold and silver threads, high quality material and refined weaving has made it a precious artwork and fabric for celebrated occasions. Yun brocade was a royal tribute during Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Song brocade – Primarily used for paperhanging of precious calligraphy copies; there are twenty different types of Song brocade.
- Zhuang brocade – Created by ethnic group in Guangxi, it has a variety of patterns like wave, flowers, grass and cloud with rich color. It is durable enough to be used in bedding, clothes and bags.
The other varieties of brocades include Li, Tujia, Yao and Hang.
A silkworm can produce 1000 meters of silk in its lifespan of 28 days. This makes silk a rare raw material. The quality, mystery and variety of Chinese brocade silk have made it an object of desire in the world.
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