Silk Production, Old and New

While in China on a "Silk Road" trip, we thought it obligatory to see some actual silk production, even though we've seen the process before in other countries. Around Hotan we were able to visit two different facilities, one, called the Atlas Silk Workship, using traditional methods, and another, the Shatou silk factory, using relatively modern technology.

Unwinding the threads from the silkworm cocoons



Dyeing


Weaving



Shatou silk factory





Looking especially at the last image, it's no wonder that nowadays so many of us are able to enjoy so many material comforts--the efficiency of the machine age cannot be underestimated.