Queen of Silk Fibers

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    When you hear the word "silk," you probably think of something shiny and beautiful, something luxurious, something soft to the touch... These are some of the wonderful impressions you may have. In our daily lives, silk is often used for special occasions and high-quality items, such as scarves, ties, dresses, and of course Persian carpets.

    But what kind of history does silk have, and what amazing characteristics does it have? In fact, the silk that we see every day has a magnificent story spanning thousands of years, and contains amazing powers that even modern science is taking notice of!

    We would like to guide you into the profound world of silk, the "Queen of Fibers." From its history to its amazing functions and future possibilities, we are sure you will see silk in a whole new light!

    Across the faraway Silk Road [5,000 years of magnificent silk history]

    The story of silk is said to have begun in ancient China some 5,000 years ago . A shining, mysterious thread produced by tiny creatures called silkworms. Due to its beauty and rarity, its manufacturing method was kept a closely guarded secret for a long time, and silk was considered a true "treasure" comparable in value to gold and silver.

    Eventually, this secret was carried westward by caravan along a trade route known as the "Silk Road." It traveled thousands of kilometers across deserts and mountains, reaching Europe and Persia (present-day Iran). Imagine the sight of silk being transported on the backs of camels...it's quite romantic, isn't it?

    Thus, silk was not just a textile, but an important player in history that drove the culture and economy of the ancient world.

    Why are people fascinated by silk? [Amazing features]

    So why does silk continue to fascinate people so much? The secret lies in the wonderful characteristics that only silk has.

    • The secret to its captivating brilliance: the luster created by its triangular cross-section Silk's greatest appeal is undoubtedly its unique luster. This is because the cross-section of silk fibers is actually closer to a triangle than a perfect circle. These triangles reflect light in complex ways like a prism, creating a deep, elegant luster not found in other fibers. When used in Persian carpets, this luster makes the patterns appear three-dimensional and changes its appearance depending on the angle from which it is viewed, creating a truly "living" beauty.
    • The ultimate feel: the closest to human skin. The smooth, moist feeling you get when you touch silk is exceptional. The reason is that silk is made from the same proteins (about 20 types of amino acids) as human skin. This means that it is very gentle on the skin, providing a natural comfort that feels like a part of your own skin. It is relatively safe for those with sensitive skin or allergies, making it an ideal material for underwear and bedding.
    • Clever functionality: cool in summer, warm in winter! "Thin and light, yet warm" is another amazing feature of silk. The structure of the fiber allows it to contain a lot of air, making it highly insulating. At the same time, it has excellent moisture absorption and release properties, so it quickly absorbs and releases sweat, preventing stuffiness even in the summer and keeping you dry and comfortable. It's like a natural air conditioner! It's great that Persian carpets made of silk can be used comfortably all year round.
    • Vivid colors: Beautiful colors preserved Silk has an extremely high dyeability, allowing dyes to penetrate deep into the fibers. This allows for beautiful, vivid, deep colors to be expressed. Silk (pure silk) has been highly valued in Japanese kimono culture thanks to its excellent color development. The complex and beautiful colors of Persian carpets are also supported by silk's excellent dyeability.
    • Say goodbye to static electricity! It's also dust-resistant! It may not be widely known, but silk is a material that is less prone to static electricity. This reduces crackling during dry seasons, and it doesn't attract dust easily, making it easier to keep hygienic.

    Is it good for the earth and the future?

    The appeal of silk is not just its beauty and functionality, but also its environmental and health benefits.

    • The protein in silk is said to have the ability to absorb ultraviolet rays. It's not perfect, but it may offer some protection from the sun.
    • Silk is a natural fiber produced by living creatures called silkworms. Therefore, once it has completed its role, it will eventually decompose naturally and return to the soil. Its value is now being reassessed as a sustainable material with a low environmental impact.

    The Queen of Fibers Evolves!

    "Silk is just an old-fashioned material, right?" If you think so, you're completely wrong! In fact, silk is a material that continues to evolve even now and is full of possibilities for the future .

    Silk is often associated with high-end clothing and kimonos, but in recent years, its properties have been utilized to create

    • Medical field: surgical sutures, artificial skin materials, etc.
    • Cosmetics: Moisturizing ingredients and ingredients for skin-friendly foundations.
    • Food industry: Edible films and packaging materials that maintain freshness.

    Research into the application of silk to completely new fields such as these is currently underway. It may seem like something out of science fiction, but the power of silk may just enrich our lives in the future.

    Furthermore, by combining it with other materials, silk products with new functions such as "washable silk" and "even more durable silk" are being developed. While preserving tradition, silk is always challenging itself to find new possibilities... that is the true strength of silk!

    From kimonos to Persian carpets

    Silk has been a special material for us Japanese people since ancient times. In particular, in the world of kimono, silk (pure silk) is the finest material and is essential for adorning the attire worn on special occasions. It is no exaggeration to say that the elegant luster, supple texture, and beautiful dyed patterns created by silk thread throughout the seasons embody the Japanese aesthetic sense itself.

    In recent years, interest in "silk carpets" has been growing in the world of interior design. The silk of Persian carpets, in particular, combined with their intricate weave, are truly "works of art on the floor." The exquisite feel underfoot and the rich colors that change appearance with the light instantly elevate the atmosphere of a room. Another attractive feature is that they surprisingly match modern spaces, whether Japanese or Western, and they are gaining popularity as a way to add a touch of high-quality, sophisticated color to Japanese homes.

    Click here for advice on choosing a Persian carpet

    Golestan, a Persian carpet specialty store, will help you find the perfect carpet to suit your room and lifestyle. Our expert staff will be happy to assist you with choosing from our wide selection, so please feel free to consult with us.

    We look forward to your visit and inquiries.