The origins of painting on silk could be traced deep into the centuries and could not be considered separately from the Chinese and Japanese traditions of painting. Surely, at some point in your life you have come across a fragment of blossoming cherries, exotic birds or a little peasant harvesting rice, all illustrated on silk, darkened with age. According to the research into the subject and available proof, the birth of this sophisticated art could be as ancient as 1030 BC!
Silk-paintings were extensively used in decoration and were present in the houses of the wealthy and high-class people. The major types of items included horizontal and vertical scrolls, fans, screens, kimonos and so on.
It took some time for the silk material to reach the rest of the world, in particular Europe. One of the legends states that Asians, Chinese and Japanese managed to keep the secret of silk origins and production really well, until one Chinese Princess getting married to the King of Khotan, "sneaked" a few silkworm cocoons out of the country by hiding them in her hair! Whether the legend is true or not, the silk was introduced to the Mediterranean area by Arabs in the 7th century. Eventually, it spread throughout the Europe and was perfected in France by 15th century. (Based on Susanne Hahn's "A Complete Guide to Silk Painting, 2006)
Below you can see three typical Chinese and Japanese paintings. And if you look further below, you will find some of the latest and newest paintings made by our own artists!
Silk Paintings Gallery
