November 12th, 2009
The History of Silk
Legend has it that silk was discovered years ago by Empress Xi Ling-Shi in China who created the first loom. Originally, silk was worn only by royalty and the higher classes and was named the Queen of fabrics. Recent archeological discoveries date the production of silk back 6,000- 7,000 years ago. The cultivation of silk or sericulture as it is known is produced from a variety of moths.
In ancient China silk cultivation and the production of silk fabrics was a very important and integral part of the life of the women . They spent a good part of the day behind cultivating silk worms, spinning the filaments, weaving the fabric and decorating the fabrics after they were made. The cultivation and production of silk was a closely guarded secret that was passed down from generation to generation. At one point in tie silk became the form of currency between China and other countries and internally.
Soon with people migrating and the demand of silk form other countries and cultures the silk secret could no remain in China. Even though over time other countries were producing silk, the Chinese dominate the silk market even today producing the finest silks and making silk affordable for people of all classes. By 200BC silk secrets reached Korea and a 100 years later Silk production reached India too. In the 1st and early 2nd century BC saw the opening of the silk Route from Asia to the Middle east and silk was traded here. Eventually, it found its way to Europe where it was highly prized. It was after Marco Polo’s travels along the Silk Route in the early 13th century when silk production began in Venice.
It started out in China with just the emperor and his family along with the highest noble men who could wear silk, now silk is the preferred choice of fabrics for all types of things such as garments, furnishing, and bedding. With natural properties of silk make it very desirable. It is strong yet soft and supple, moulding to every shape of the body. Silk is warm in the cool weather and cool during the hot weather. Its wicking qualities make it a natural choice as it absorbs moisture. The amino acids keep the skin looking young and hydrated. Silk bedding and sheets are the obvious choice for one looking for the best options.
Easy to maintain and wash silk fabrics are being used for everyday wear and silk bedding. A normal drab bedroom can easily be converted into a luxurious romantic retreat for a few hundred dollars. Silk being the strongest fiber makes silk sheets are much better investment than its cotton counterpart. Soft, luscious and sexy it is every man and woman’s dream fabric. Once you use silk bedding it is not eay to be converted to cotton again. Indulge yourself with silk bedding and while you lay in the silk sheet imagine all the 1000’s of years indulgence behind you.
