The silk story
The discovery
Around 2600 BC, the wife of the Yellow Emperor, Leizu, discovered the secret of silk when a cocoon accidently fell into her hot tea and unraveled into a thread. Leizu then goes on to invent the process of making silk by combining silk fibers into threads and using looms to combine threads into a cloth.
The long kept secret…
Silk production is a lengthy process and requires a close attention to detail. There are two conditions that need to be fulfilled in order to produce high quality silk. The first is to prevent the moth from hatching out and the second is providing the optimal diet. For centuries, the Chinese perfected these techniques and guarded this secret. With limited production, it was only reserved for royalty. It was not until the Qin dynasty (1644) that the working class was allowed to wear cloth made of silk.
The silk-road
China opened up the silk-road to the west around 2nd century CE. As Chinese silk was imported into Rome, vast amounts of gold started to leave Rome. Many people perceived silk clothing as a sign of decadence and immortality. For hundreds of years, silk has been valued as much as gold and often used as a currency. The silk-road was a significant element in the development of China, India, Egypt, Persia, Arabia and Rome.
Even though silk was traded in the West, the method to making silk was still kept as a secret in China. The monopoly was sacredly defended with imperial decree, condemnable by death.
Today
Silk offers both luxury and practicality in today’s world. Mari Ann crafts its products from the finest grades of silk and brings them to you with utmost quality. Our beddings, comforters and pillows will bring you the ultimate unparalleled comfort in your bedroom.