Chinese Silk and Flax
Silk was originally discovered and developed in China, providing a luxurious and desirable cloth. Silk provoked such a craze among high society that for centuries, it was restricted to use by the Emperor and the royal family only.
Used predominantly for royal robes, it soon spread to use in luxury items including purses, money and ‘teal’ pouches, fans and many other household items and became the principle Imperial gift to visiting dignitaries.
Eventually extending into Chinese society, Silk began to be used for decorative means and many other ways including musical instruments, fishing, and bow-making. Today silk and flax cotton are used to produce a wide range of clothing and personal items.
