What is silk?
Silk is a fine fabric developed from the cocoons of silkworms. It was first developed in China, perhaps as early as 6000 BCE and certainly as early as 3000 BCE. Silk was reserved for the emperors, but eventually spread across Asia. It was a large source of trade for the Chinese, who attempted to keep their methods of silk making a secret. By the early years of the Common Era, silk production had expanded to India and Korea. By the 1300s, Italy had become a center of the silk trade. Silk today is almost exclusively made by domesticated silkworms, which makes the silk more affordable and consistent. Because harvesting the cocoon kills the larvae, some animal rights activists protest the continued use of silk. However, most people find it a lovely fiber that is worthy of a work of art. Chinese painting is traditionally done on silk, and there are several other silk painting techniques that are fun to learn.
