What is Silk?
The art of rearing domesticated silkworms (sericulture) first arose in China, and over the next millennia spread to neighbouring countries. As rulers recognised its economic potential they helped transform the production of silk from a household-based system into state-run workshops, and then into a full-fledged industry. The demand for silk was so great that all of these production centres co- existed to satisfy the expanding desire for luxury silks both within China and abroad.
Silk’s prismatic structure allows it to shimmer in the light and as a fabric is extremely light, resilient and also warm. All these attributes have made it a textile of choice for the elite across the world. The work and cost involved in creating a woven silk fabric—from the nurturing of the silkworms to the final weaving of the threads—are staggering; before mechanization, one richly brocaded garment required a year or two of work.
Sericulture (The Process of Making Silk)
Attributed to Liang Kai
Early 1200s
Handscroll: ink and colour on silk
First section: 26.7 x 98.6 cm;
Second section: 27.6 x 92.3 cm;
Third section: 27.6 x 92.3 cm
The Cleveland Museum of Art, John L. Severance Collection 1977.5
First Moulting of the Silkworms
China, 1795 1800 Water and gouache on paper H. 59.7 cm x L. 52.7 cm Chris Hall Collection
Newly-Hatched Silkworms
China, 1795 1800
Water and gouache on paper
H. 59.7 cm x L. 52.7 cm
Chris Hall Collection
Silkworms Lay their Eggs
China, 1795 1800
Water and gouache on paper
H. 59.7 cm x L. 52.7 cm
Chris Hall Collection
Pupae Hatch from the Cocoons
China, 1795 1800
Water and gouache on paper
H. 59.7 cm x L. 52.7 cm
Chris Hall Collection
Second Moulting of the Silkworms
China, 1795 1800
Water and gouache on paper
H. 59.7 cm x L. 52.7 cm
Chris Hall Collection
Third Moulting of the Silkworms
China, 1795 1800
Water and gouache on paper
H. 59.7 cm x L. 52.7 cm
Chris Hall Collection
Fourth Moulting of the Silkworms
China, 1795 1800
Water and gouache on paper
H. 59.7 cm x L 52.7 cm
Chris Hall Collection
Silkworms Spin Cocoons on Wooden Frames
China, 1795 1800
Water and gouache on paper
H. 59.7 cm x L. 52.7 cm
Chris Hall Collection