Ancient China attaches great importance to silk production. Shang Dynasty, silk weaving, and utilization has been quite popular, and has a certain scale of production, mastering a higher degree of weaving technology. By the Qin and Han dynasties, silk weaving handicraft production flourished, and the industry has reached a more mature scale, the Tang and Song dynasties are more prosperous. As for the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the ancient silk weaving technology reached the highest level, it is not difficult to imagine the prevailing situation.
Today, let’s learn about the whole process of Chinese silk production through the Qing dynasty Jiao Bingzhen’s paintings: “Geng Zhi Tu Ce (耕织图册)”.
More about Hanfu and Chinese silk you may like: Painting Appreciation: Court Ladies Preparing Newly Woven Silk History of Chinese Silk Crafts: Cloud Brocade(Yunjin)
Note that they seemed to treat the silkworms with respect. They like this, they don’t like that. One thing is that, “Shh don’t talk. The newborn silkworms need a quiet environment.” 😆 Each thread representing a silkworm, the fabric protecting a family… It’s so… beautiful!
A beautiful story!
Oh, how wonderful the story of silk making explained in a painting! This should be a national treasure! Thank you sharing this article. My new favorite ♥ After reading it, I don’t want to cut silk all that much and just want to use all of it if ever able to afford some.
Hahaha, maybe we can start with raising silkworms. When I was a kid, I had raised them, but I didn’t know at the time how silk was born.😂