jedwab

Jedwab is the natural protein fiber produced by silkworms to form cocoons. The principal silk used in textiles comes from the domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori, while wild silks are produced by other moths such as Antheraea species.

Production of jedwab, or sericulture, starts with breeding silkworms and feeding them on mulberry leaves. After cocoons are formed, they are harvested and typically heated or boiled to soften the sericin that binds the fibers. The filaments are then unwound in a process called reeling, producing silk thread. The fibers may be combed and spun into yarn, and degummed to remove remaining sericin, yielding a soft, lustrous silk suitable for weaving or knitting.

Properties of silk include high luster, a soft feel, and a favorable strength-to-weight ratio. It absorbs moisture well and takes dyes readily, contributing to its luxurious appearance. Silk fabrics drape well and are comfortable to wear. However, silk can be susceptible to damage from sunlight, certain chemicals, and prolonged exposure to moisture, and it may weaken when wet.

Historically, jedwab originated in ancient China, with records dating to the second millennium BCE. It became a major trade commodity along the Silk Road, spreading to India, Persia, the Arab world, and Europe over subsequent centuries.

Uses of silk are diverse: high-quality clothing and accessories, scarves, and various home textiles. It is also employed in medical sutures and some specialty industrial applications due to its biocompatibility and strength.

Today, China and India remain leading producers, with other countries contributing to global supply. Quality and price vary by grade, filament length, and processing, while sustainability and animal-welfare considerations influence contemporary production practices.