Mulberry silk: what is it?
Origin and characteristics of mulberry silk (Bombyx mori)
The mulberry silkworm, also known by its scientific name Bombyx mori, is a lepidopteran native to northern China. Raised primarily for mulberry silk production, this insect hardly exists in the wild anymore. It is at the heart of sericulture, an ancestral savoir-faire developed over 2,600 years ago.
The fiber produced by the Bombyx is renowned for its softness, natural luster, and good strength. Today, Bombyx mori farming is practiced notably in China, India, Japan and, more marginally, in France.
We often speak of "mulberry silk" because the Bombyx mori silkworm feeds on white mulberry leaves: the silk comes from the silkworm's cocoon, not the tree.
The fiber produced by the Bombyx is renowned for its softness, natural luster, and good strength. Today, Bombyx mori farming is practiced notably in China, India, Japan and, more marginally, in France.
We often speak of "mulberry silk" because the Bombyx mori silkworm feeds on white mulberry leaves: the silk comes from the silkworm's cocoon, not the tree.
How mulberry silk (Bombyx mori) is produced
Mulberry silk (Bombyx silk) is produced at the caterpillar stage, when it secretes a substance that solidifies to form a continuous thread during cocoon spinning. This thread, produced by specialized glands called sericteries, can measure approximately 300 to 1,500 meters depending on the cocoons.
Silkworms feed mainly on white mulberry leaves, which contributes to the fineness and regularity of the fiber. Once mature, they spin their cocoon, which can contain up to several kilometers of thread, of which only a part will actually be used for textile manufacturing.
To harvest the silk, the cocoons are immersed in hot water to soften the natural glue (sericin) and allow the thread to be unwound as regularly as possible, without breaking it.
Silkworms feed mainly on white mulberry leaves, which contributes to the fineness and regularity of the fiber. Once mature, they spin their cocoon, which can contain up to several kilometers of thread, of which only a part will actually be used for textile manufacturing.
To harvest the silk, the cocoons are immersed in hot water to soften the natural glue (sericin) and allow the thread to be unwound as regularly as possible, without breaking it.
The natural benefits of silk
Silk is prized for its naturally soothing properties. Its smooth texture reduces friction on the skin and limits irritation, making it an ideal material for cervical pain, stiff neck, or skin sensitivity.
Hypoallergenic and breathable, silk also helps maintain skin comfort and can help reduce certain respiratory irritations. Silk shawls, scarves, or accessories are particularly recommended to enjoy these benefits.
Hypoallergenic and breathable, silk also helps maintain skin comfort and can help reduce certain respiratory irritations. Silk shawls, scarves, or accessories are particularly recommended to enjoy these benefits.
A bit of history
In China, the discovery of silk is traditionally attributed to Empress Xi Ling-Shi. According to legend, a cocoon fell into her tea cup while she was resting under a mulberry tree. By pulling on the thread that came loose from it, she discovered the fineness and softness of silk, thus giving birth to sericulture. This legend is one of many stories explaining the origin of silk.
The different types of silk
• The mulberry silkworm: finest and softest silk.
• Wild silk: thicker and less regular thread.
• Madagascar silk: rustic silk produced by the borocera.
• Spider silk.
• Marine silk (byssus).
• Plantar silk.
• Artificial silk (viscose).
• Wild silk: thicker and less regular thread.
• Madagascar silk: rustic silk produced by the borocera.
• Spider silk.
• Marine silk (byssus).
• Plantar silk.
• Artificial silk (viscose).
Discover in our Silk collection
Silk Stoles
Discover our Indian silk stoles, soft and elegant.
→ Discover our Silk Stoles
Modal and Silk Stoles
Discover our modal and silk stoles, light and comfortable.
→ Discover our Modal and Silk Stoles
Silk Scarves
Discover our fine and colorful silk scarves.
→ Discover our Silk Scarves
Silk Foulards
Discover our elegant and versatile pure silk foulards.
→ Discover our Silk Foulards