Though the word doesn’t sound as romantic as the meaning, sericulture refers to production of silk. The history of silk has it roots decades back. However, silk was an unknown thing for the West for long. The Natural History by Pliny in 70 BC reads, " silk was obtained by removing down from the leaves with the help of water…" – a very clear evidence of ignorance about silk. 

Perhaps the secret of silk is the safest guarded one in history.

As the Chinese legend goes, Lady Hsi-Ling-Shih , the wife of the mythical Yellow Emperor initiated silkworm rearing. She also invented the loom. Considering the reign of Yellow Emperor, China can proudly boast of silk rearing from 3000BC. However, the archeological finds trace the origin of sericulture even much earlier. Click here to read more.

The description of this trade route to the west as the `Silk Road' is misleading. In fact, no single route or road was taken. In crossing Central Asia, several different branches developed, passing through different oasis settlements. The name `Silk Road' is relatively new in historic terms, and was actually coined by a nineteenth century German scholar named von Richthofen

It is often thought that the Romans had first come in contact with silk on one of their campaigns against the Parthians in 53 B.C. It is said that the Romans learned from Parthian prisoners that silk came from a mysterious tribe in the east, who they referred to as the silk people, or `Seres.'  Caravans heading towards China carried gold and other metals, ivory, precious stones, and glass to trade. In the opposite direction, besides silk, furs, ceramics, jade, bronze objects, lacquer, and iron were carried.  The most significant commodity carried along this route though, was not silk, but religion. Buddhism came to China from India, along the northern branch of the route and Christianity also made an early appearance on the scene. Click here to read more.

Silk scarves have been used for a variety of purposes throughout history.  Its lightweight warmth caused silk to become one of the most popular materials for things like aviator's scarves and for parachutes.  However, the high cost of silk throughout history has meant that silk scarves were often considered a luxury item in Europe and North America.  It has only been in the last 20 years that silk scarves have become more widely available.  Thai silk scarves are among the most elegant and beautiful scarves, and have been thrilling the fashion world for several years now. 

The production of silk stretches back centuries in Thailand.  Because Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation to have never been ruled by a European power, silk production is much more traditional.  Additionally, Thai silk is considered exceptionally durable and high quality.  This quality silk is washed, and then dyed carefully to produce stunning and memorable colors.  One of the most remarkable features of Thai silk scarves is their patterns and artwork, many of which stem from Thai folklore and culture. Click here to read more.

Shu embroidery is a relatively recent (by Chinese standards) Chinese embroidery style, having been developed around the middle of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).  One of the four great Chinese embroidery styles, Shu embroidery was developed in and around the city of Shengdu in Sichuan province.  Although what we now think of as the Shu style matured in the Qing dynasty the Sichuan area has a history of producing embroidery that dates back several hundred years, and  Shu embroidery is considered to be one of the end products of the evolution of this long history.  With many natural subjects depicted in colorful threads, Shu embroidery is mostly concerned with showing the joys of life, and has been used in many different pieces, both practical and decorative. 

Examples of embroidery have been discovered in the Sichuan province dating from more than 2,000 years ago.  Fish have been among the most popular subjects for embroiderers from Sichuan; one account from the Western Han dynasty (202 B.C. – 9 A.D.) tells of the intricate detailing of a carp taking more than a month for an embroiderer to complete.  The production of embroidery was first done by males, but over the years it has passed to young women.  The Shu embroidery which matured during the Qing dynasty, which is also called Chuan embroidery, is still produced in China today and has been widely exported to countries all over the world. Click here to read more.