China is the country where sericulture and silk weaving originated, with a history dating back over 6000 years to the Neolithic Yangshao Culture. The ancestors of the Chinese nation not only invented silk but also developed and utilized it, radiating its brilliance in clothing, economy, art, and culture. The ancient Sichuan Shu Brocade, Suzhou Song Brocade, and Nanjing Yun Brocade, known as the three great famous brocades, are outstanding representatives of silk fabrics and still enjoy a high reputation worldwide. In a sense, silk represents China's ancient and splendid culture.
Origin: According to legend, Leizu, the daughter of the West Ling clan and the primary consort of the Yellow Emperor, was the first person in China to cultivate mulberry and raise silkworms. According to the "Supplementary Records of the Grand Historian," Leizu "first taught people to raise silkworms, process silkworm cocoons to provide clothing, and there were no skin diseases in the world. In later generations, she was honored as the pioneer of sericulture."
Archaeological discoveries confirm that China's silk weaving technology appeared at least 5500 years ago during the Neolithic period. China began sericulture, silk reeling, and silk weaving around that time, and sericulture can be traced back to the 3rd century BCE.
Development: In the mid-Neolithic period, about five to six thousand years ago, China began sericulture, silk reeling, and silk weaving. By the Shang Dynasty, silk production had already started to take shape, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship with sophisticated weaving machinery and techniques.
During the Shang and Zhou periods, various types of silk fabrics such as gauze, brocade, satin, and embroidery emerged. After the Qin and Han dynasties, silk production developed a complete technical system, and the silk industry experienced significant growth. The promotion of trade facilitated economic and cultural exchanges between the central plains and border regions, as well as between China and neighboring countries in the east and west. This led to the formation of the famous "Silk Road," starting from ancient Chang'an, passing through Gansu and Xinjiang, heading west through Central Asia and West Asia, and finally reaching Europe.
During the Tang and Song dynasties, with increased cultural exchanges and the southward shift of economic centers, silk weaving techniques and production regions underwent significant changes. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, silk production became more specialized, with a richer variety of fabrics and more elaborate patterns.
After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the silk industry entered a new historical period. After years of efforts, China regained its dominant position in the world silk market, and the silk industry became a pillar industry for generating foreign exchange.
