Follow the Yellow Silk Road

This ragged scrap of fabric was once an exquisite example of the Islamic luxury arts (and remains to be, to some extent).  However, silk textiles are not only signs of the wealth of  their purchasers, they are also testaments to the well-established use of international trade in the third century BCE.  The thread used to make textiles like this one (from Zandana, Uzbekistan) were extremely expensive, primarily because the climate of the Middle East was, and is, not temperate enough to support silkworms.  Thus, silk had to be imported from China.

The vivid blues, greens, and oranges on this particular silk textile have now subsided to dimmer hues over the years.  It was used to transport the relics of Saint Amon when they were transported to the Toul Cathedral in 820.  The designs on this textile are unlike the Islamic art found within mosques, particularly because animals (things that breathe) are portrayed on the silk.  This textile has repeated medallions encircling lions and palm trees.  Outside of the circular designs are bugs and other animals.  The fact that animals are present on this textile add much to its value.