Silk - natural, durable and flexible material used for the production of tissue, as well as directly to this fabric. Silk fiber produce silkworms and some other insects. The Chinese were engaged in cultivation of silkworms since ancient times and for 3000 years kept secret the secret of producing silk, which was then worth its weight in gold. Before the invention of paper, this precious fabric was used not only in the textile industry, but also served as material for writing and drawing.
In Europe silk imported along the Silk Road. Independently produce this material began only in the XIII century in Italy. Demand for it has been enormous. Silk has always been a symbol of luxury and attribute aristocracy. He was appreciated for the uniqueness, beauty and durability. In the XV century silk underwear came into use, in addition, it would not start insects. A fashion for linens silk taffeta chine brought into fashion in the XVIII century mistress of Louis XV Marquise de Pompadour. Today, the fabric has not lost its status and is still valued very highly: no synthetic material can not compete with it. And China is still the leader in the production of raw silk.