Chinese Silk Industry

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Chinese Silk Industry

Women destroying the Chrysalides & reeling the cocoons while their children play nearby

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 615975

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10099817

1840 Blowing Cocoons Destroying Nearby Reeling Silk Textiles

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> Asia > China > Related Images

> People > Children

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment in the rich history of China's ancient silk industry, circa 1840. The image depicts a group of women, their faces etched with determination and focus, as they destroy the chrysalides of silk-producing worms, releasing the precious cocoons within. The scene takes place near a large earthenware pot, used to fuel a fire to expedite the process of uncooking the cocoons. The women's children play nearby, their innocent laughter and playful antics providing a stark contrast to the industrious labor of their mothers. The serene surroundings, with rolling hills and lush foliage in the background, serve as a reminder of the rural, agrarian lifestyle that once defined Chinese society. Silk production was a significant part of China's cultural and economic heritage, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. The process of transforming the humble silkworm into luxurious silk fabric was a labor-intensive and time-consuming endeavor, requiring the expertise and dedication of skilled artisans. The destruction of the chrysalides was a crucial step in the silk-making process. Once the cocoons were uncooked and the silk threads were extracted, they would be carefully unwound from the cocoons using reels. The resulting raw silk would then be woven into exquisite textiles, coveted for their luster, softness, and durability. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us to a time when the simple yet profound act of transforming a caterpillar into silk was a source of pride and livelihood for countless generations of Chinese women.

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