history of silk

According to Chinese legends, silk was discovered in 3,000 BC by Lady Hsi-Ling-Shi, wife of Emperor Huang Ti, when a silkworm kookoon accidentally dropped into her hot tea. Fine threads from the kookoon unraveled in the hot water and silk was discovered.

When silk was first discovered, it was used exclusively by the emperor, his close relations, and the very highest of his dignitaries. Even Julius Caesar restricted the wearing of silk to himself and his favored officials. Noble and rich Roman and Greek families sought after this splendid textile. The great demand for silk from Europe created The Silk Road, built entirely to support its commerce. For centuries, silk had been as valuable as gold often use as currency in international trade.

For more than 2,000 years, the Chinese tightly guarded the secrets of silk. Anyone revealing the secrets or smuggled the silk worm eggs or kookoons outside of China was punished by death.

Today, silk continues to be a character of luxury and grandeur. kumi kookoon brings you the finest silk manufactured and unsurpassed quality. Our introductory product line brings silk-filled comforters and bedding from the Far East to the comforts of your bedroom.