Textiles & étoffes asiatiques

According to legend, the young Chinese Empress Leizu had the idea of weaving the thread unraveled from a silkworm cocoon that had fallen into her tea cup, in the 3rd millennium BCE. She is also credited with inventing the silk reel and loom.

Although this myth may not be based on a true story, China remains the cradle of silk, and the oldest fragment of this fabric, dating back to 2570 BCE, was discovered there.

At the same time, the Chinese developed wool weaving and produced a wide variety of textiles.

Even though it is likely that the peoples living in ancient India and Pakistan at the time were familiar with similar techniques, China jealously guarded the secret of silk production until the beginning of the Common Era.

From this time onward, the use of silk spread across much of Asia. As a true luxury item, it was reserved for the upper social classes, and laws prohibited peasants from wearing garments or owning decorative items made from this precious textile.

Silk became so valuable that it served as a form of currency, and lengths of fabric were used as a monetary standard. China derived significant wealth from trading silk with Western countries, which exchanged it for gold, precious stones, or horses.

For a long time, the techniques, tools, and even the patterns used in silk production saw little change, and China maintained a monopoly on trade with Europe. In fact, it wasn't until the 4th century that silk production began outside of Asia, and the Renaissance saw the development of the silk industry in Lyon, France.

If you wish to sell or purchase Asian textiles, it is essential to seek an expert's appraisal and valuation to authenticate the piece.

Based on the condition, the quality of the silk or wool fabric, as well as the fineness of the weaving, painting, or embroidery, the professional will estimate the approximate price it could fetch at auction.