The Silk Road and Silk from the Han to the Tang

Abstract

China is the world’s earliest country to rear silkworms and produce silk, and for a considerable period of time was the only country in the world engaged in this handicraft. This paper comprehensively introduces the emergence of Chinese silk fabrics, the reasons for the development of silk industry during the Han Dynasty, weaving machines during the Han Dynasty, types of Han silk, high-quality Han brocades, embroidery, and printed silk fabrics, as well as the patterns and designs of silk fabrics. It is pointed out that during the Han Dynasty, Chinese silk reached a high level, which was admired by foreign civilizations (including Romans), leading to the opening and development of the “Silk Road”. By the Tang Dynasty, Chinese silk underwent significant changes due to Western influences introduced through the “Silk Road” and its own innovative developments, resulting in advancements in weaving techniques and patterns.

This article is one of three public lectures given in Japan by the author at the invitation of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) in March 1983. The lectures were collected in a book titled The Origins of Chinese Civilization, which was released in Japanese and Chinese versions by Japan Broadcasting Press Corporation and Cultural Relics Press in 1985 and 1984, respectively. The synopsis and annotations made by Japanese archaeologists for the Japanese edition of the book have been removed from the Chinese version, which is now part of the anthology.