Silk Road & Japan

Silk first came to Japan in the 4th century as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. The Silk Road was and is a network of trade routes connecting the east and west from the 2nd century BCE to the 18th century CE. Some sources claim that silk was brought by four Chinese girls, while others believe that a Chinese man came to Japan carrying with him a cluster of silkworm cocoons.

Since then Japanese silk making techniques were further refined. It wasn’t long before Japanese silk became widely distinguished for its fine, high quality. It was revolutionized with new weaving processes in the Nishijin district, Kyoto in the 19th century, now known as Nishijin weaving textiles. Other types like Chirimen, Tsumugi and Meisen were born as well.

For over 10 centuries, Japanese silk has continued to flourish and played a role in the industrialization of the country from Imperial Court to little farms. Silk was prominent in daily life in Japan. Kimono is the beauty of what Japanese silk-making has created and they have given the world a chance to experience its sophisticated silk, and kimonos are now enjoyed and admired around the globe.