Common
Knowledge of Chinese Culture
Silk
Notwithstanding the disparagement of early
Chinese inventions by some, no one has yet been found bold enough to try and wrest the
palm from them for the three discoveries of porcelain, lacquer-ware and the manufacture of
silk. Silk culture is of very ancient origin; from the references in the Shu Jing to
it, it is evident that it was well known when that work was written. Silkworms are said to
have been first reared (B.C. 2600) by the Empress of Huang Di, who was deified and
worshipped, under the name of Yuen-fi, as the Goddess of Silk. South China is famous for
silk production
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