The Secrets of Persian Silk Carpets, the "Queen of Fibers"

How much do you know about the secrets of the "Queen of Textiles"?

Hello! When you hear the word "silk," what kind of image comes to your mind? "Shiny and beautiful," "It seems luxurious," "It feels good on the skin"... I'm sure you have such wonderful impressions. It is often used in our daily lives for special occasions and high-quality items such as scarves, ties, dresses, and of course Persian carpets.

But do you know exactly what history silk has and what amazing characteristics it has? In fact, the silk we see every day has a magnificent story spanning thousands of years and amazing powers that even modern science is paying attention to!

Today, I 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, I'm sure you will see silk in a whole new light!

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

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 a true "treasure" with a value comparable to gold and silver.

Eventually, this secret was carried by caravans to the far west along a trade route called the "Silk Road." It crossed deserts and mountains, traveling thousands of kilometers, before 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 more than just a textile; it was an important player in history, driving 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 mesmerizing shine: the luster created by its triangular cross section The greatest attraction of silk is its unique luster. This is because the cross section of silk fibers is not a perfect circle, but rather closer to a triangle. 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 viewing angle, creating a truly "living" beauty.
• The ultimate texture: the closest gentleness to human skin When you touch silk, you feel something special, that smooth and moist feeling. The reason is that silk is made of the same "proteins" (about 20 types of amino acids) as human skin. Therefore, it is very gentle on the skin and feels natural and comfortable, as if it were a part of your own skin. It is relatively safe for people with sensitive skin or those who are concerned about allergies, so it is considered an ideal material for underwear and bedding.
• Clever functionality: cool in summer, warm in winter! "Thin and light, yet warm" is another mysterious feature of silk. The structure of the fiber allows it to contain a lot of air, so it has high heat retention. At the same time, it has excellent moisture absorption and release properties, so it quickly absorbs and releases sweat, and keeps you dry and comfortable even in the summer without getting stuffy. 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 are preserved Silk has a very high dyeability, and the dye penetrates deep into the fibers. This allows for beautiful vivid and deep colors to be expressed. Silk (pure silk) has been highly valued in Japanese kimono culture because of its excellent color development. The complex and beautiful colors of Persian carpets are also supported by silk's high dyeability.
• Say goodbye to static electricity? It's also dust-resistant! It may not be widely known, but silk is a material that is resistant to static electricity. It also reduces crackling noise during dry seasons, and it doesn't attract dust easily, so it's easy to keep hygienic.

Is it kind to the earth and to the future? [The hidden charm of silk]

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

• The ability to protect the skin? The proteins contained in silk are said to have the ability to absorb ultraviolet rays. Although it's not perfect, it may be able to protect the skin from the sun to some extent.
• Silk is a natural fiber produced by 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 low environmental impact.

The Queen of Fibers Evolves! [New Possibilities for Silk]

"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 characteristics have been utilized to create

• Medical field: Surgical sutures, artificial skin materials, etc.
• Cosmetics: Moisturizing ingredients, ingredients for foundations that are gentle on the skin, etc.
• Food industry: Edible films, packaging materials that maintain freshness, etc.

Research into the application of silk in completely new fields such as these is currently underway. It may seem like something from science fiction, but the power of silk may actually make our lives even richer 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 protecting tradition, it is always challenging itself to find new possibilities... that is the true strength of silk!

Silk is an integral part of Japanese life [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 indispensable for dresses that decorate special occasions. It is no exaggeration to say that the elegant luster, supple texture, and beautiful dyed patterns of the four seasons embodied the Japanese sense of aesthetics.

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

Summary: Silk tells the story of the past, present and future

Silk has fascinated us for thousands of years and continues to fascinate us today. Its glorious history, breathtaking beauty, amazing functionality, and gentleness to the skin and the environment... The more you learn about it, the more you will be captivated by its charm.

Furthermore, silk is not just a heritage of the past; it is also an ever-evolving material that has the potential to open up new areas of the future, such as medical and cosmetic applications.

As a specialist Persian carpet store, we would be delighted if we could convey the value of this wonderful material, silk, along with the stories behind it, and pass it on to future generations.

A beautiful, rich, and gentle story woven by silk. I can't take my eyes off its brilliance. Thank you for reading to the end.

Click here for advice on choosing a Persian carpet

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

• Check the size and texture at a physical store: Store address and access information
• Check out our online store for carpets in various sizes: Visit our online store
• Inquiries regarding size selection and stock: To the inquiry form

We look forward to your visit and inquiries.