Silk Cloth
Silk comes from the cocoon of silkworms. The people of ancient China used silk to make clothes, paper, fishing lines, bowstrings, and canvas for painting. Back then, wearing silk was a symbol of status. Only people of royalty could wear silk. Silk was so valuable, that it was even used as money to trade and also for farmers to pay their taxes to the government. As years passed on, people outside of royalty were able to wear silk sloth without being punished. With increased travels and trading, silk slowly reached the outside world, first to Korea, then to Japan, India and finally Europe. Silk cloth is one of the inventions from ancient China that people still use today!
Below are some ancient Chinese garments made of silk.
Below are some ancient Chinese garments made of silk.
Below is an illustration of wealthy women in ancient China wearing silk clothing.
Below is a silk painting from ancient China called 'Lady, Dragon, and Phoenix.' It shows a noblewoman on a boat praying to a dragon and phoenix.
Below is another silk painting from ancient China called 'Man Driving the Dragon.' It shows a bearded nobleman escorted by a dragon and an egret. A sacred bird of ancient China, the egret is thought to represent the integrity and noble qualities of the man.
Watch the video below to see how silk is made in China today!
To learn more about where silk comes from, see National Geographic's video, Wild China: The Secret of Silk!