Silk And Smugglers

By | August 30, 2019

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Silken robes of the Imperial Court of China. Source: (Photo by Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Silk has always been considered one of the most luxurious fabrics available throughout history. Sericulture, the production of silk, has also one of the strangest forms of fabric manufacturing.

The result is a curious history ranging from international geopolitics to smuggling monks.

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Women in kimonos. Source: (gettyimages.com)

Silk has made itself ubiquitous in material culture for its stunning look and comfort. Aside from traditional Japanese kimonos, Indian sari, and fine scarves, silk is used in tennis racquet string, parachutes, and bicycle tires due to its inherent strength.