Silk is a natural fiber produced by the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) as it spins a cocoon. Commercial sericulture involves rearing silk moths on mulberry leaves, harvesting cocoons, unraveling the silk fiber, spinning it into thread, and weaving it into cloth. The practice is older than recorded history -- probably dating back more than 6000 years to the emperors of ancient China. Today silk production is a cottage industry throughout much of eastern Asia (especially China, Japan, and India). Annual production is estimated at 50-70 million pounds per year with a market value of more than $500 million. Stamps illustrating silk moths or silk production have been issued by more than a dozen countries. You can view some of them by clicking on links in the left frame. |