Mulberry Silk
Shiny Silk Yams Ready to Weave (Source: wikimedia)
Mulberry silk is one of the most renowned and popular forms of Silk, particularly when it comes to textiles. Originated from the era of Indus Valley Civilization, it is one of the exquisite silk used in textiles. The cocoons sole source of food is the white Mulberry plant, which results in their white or off white color. These silkworms are domesticated and reared indoors. The major mulberry silk producing states are Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir.
These silkworms are domesticated and reared indoors. The major mulberry silk producing states are Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir.
Origin & History
The origin of Silk dates back to the era of the Indus Valley Civilization. Rearing of wild silk from the available caterpillars or worms was a popular culture then. People who belonged to the Indus valley civilization reared the cocoons of the worms to produce silk. In the recent times, India is the second largest producer of silk after China. The southern states along with Jammu Kashmir and West Bengal are considered to be the highest producers of silk. The silk varieties produced in India are all done using mulberry worms.
Luxury Mulberry Silk Pillow (Source: bosscdn.com)
Style
Mulberry Silk provides the shine and fluidity that is desired in every fabric. Styled to perfection, this fabric has a certain edge over the others in terms of quality, making it commercially successful. The pupae of the worm are used to design the fabric in a textile so that no mineral is observed. The fine designs and the fantastic styling gives the fabric a whole new look. Right from evening wear to sarees, this fabric has given the world a vast taste of designs and apparels.
Influence over the Years
Silk has seen great variations in terms of usage and designs over a period of years. When it was first reared, the silk was a rich man’s treasure. Gifts and artifacts designed in silk were shared with the emperors and, considered as a token of respect and mutual friendship. Over the years, silk changed hands and was no longer just the rich man’s treasure. Silk was embraced by the various textiles and commercialization of silk led to the production of various apparels. Today, silk is seen in a variety of apparels and furnishings.
Innovations
A rich man’s robes, to the drapes along the windows, silk has undergone tremendous innovations over a period of years. Mulberry silk known for its shine and softness was one of the most recognized silks by the rich people of ancient times, since their intricately designed and opulent robes were designed using this Silk. Today, Mulberry Silk has popularized itself as a furnishing fabric. Several people have silk drapes pulled across their huge windows or silk covers for their lovely furniture. It has changed the way a house looks.
Mulberry Silk (Source: pinterest)
Occasion Dressing
The shine and luster of mulberry silk suggests that it should be worn during festivals, parties or other formal occasions. This silk cannot be used for regular wear purposes because of the richness this material bestows upon it. Most of the textiles producing mulberry silk varieties indulge in the creation of silk sarees, dress materials or evening gowns.
Suitability
Silk is suitable for the cold climate. Try avoiding any silk attire during the rainy season.
Global Influence
Mulberry silk is a globally loved fabric. India is the second largest producer of mulberry silk and, hence a great exporter too. Many people across the globe are in need of this silk to drape themselves with fine dresses and gowns. The silk is also used for gifting purposes across the globe. India is proficient in making the multivoltine silk but, there is a great demand for the bivoltine silk that India is yet to experiment with.
Accessorizing
A simple chain and earrings or a pearl set would define the class of this silk variant. Simple jewelry would make this fabric look more elegant. Matched with a fine pair of high-heeled shoes, and a shawl across a Silk dress would be the ultimate accessory to bring out the rich appeal of this fabric.
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Interesting Facts and Comparisons
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Silk becomes weak in water. Therefore, if silk is continuously kept in water it may erode and lose its shine and luster.
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Bombyx Mori, the worm that is used to create the mulberry silk variety feeds on leaves of the white mulberry tree.
References
Categories: Textiles