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History of Silk
SILK HAS A HISTORY
Silk is nature’s finest fiber that has for centuries been synonymous with excellence, opulence, durability and mystery. Once only available to nobility, it is highly treasured and appreciated for its smooth feel and gentle warmth. Silk has long been recognized as a symbol of good taste and well-being which is a concept that has been carefully preserved in the production of the Dream Silks doonas.
The origin of silk production is on record as existing in China sometime before the third millennium BC. For many centuries the Chinese guarded the secrets of the source and production of silk zealously. Smuggling of cocoons or imparting knowledge outside of the country by foreigners was dealt with swiftly and harshly. Many death sentences were carried out. Until AD 550 when two Persian monks smuggled silkworms out of China in the hollows of their bamboo canes, silk was not successfully produced outside of China. These hardy worms delivered to Constantinople were the beginning of all varieties of silk production throughout Europe. Silk flourished in Europe until 1854 when a devastating silkworm plague wiped out almost all of Europe’s production. Louis Pasteur discovered the cause and was able to develop a means of control for the plague, but the damage was done. Countries such as Italy didn’t fully recover until well into the 20th century. This plague greatly increased the value of the silk and to this day remains an important luxury material cherished around the world. Silk is a staple economic producer for China and is an important product in Japan, Thailand, and Italy. |