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Subject:Re: Kuo Hwa Silk-Weaving Black Silver HELP!
Posted By: Judy Tue, Jun 20, 2006
Sue, you would have better response if you re-posted the web site address so folks could readily look at the subject of your query. I found it, posted below.
The word "factory" might be a clue, here. I am no expert on this precise type of textile, but it is most likely that these were turned out in the thousands as mementos for travelers. They used automated patterning devices of the sort that were (and still are) also used for millions of types of patterned textiles intended to present naturalistic, realistic, or curvilinear designs or patterns.
One way you can tell this is if the colored threads go all the way across the textile, even when not brought to the top surface to form part of the design. You should be able follow a few of these, even if it takes a magnifying glass.
If possible, use cotton or plastic gloves when handling the textiles. While it would seem obvious that silk would be the fiber forming the pattern, and silk is one of the more durable fibers, it can still absorb oils and other detrimental material even from freshly-washed bare hands. Despite the factory name, the patterning material might not be silk, but rayon, that had a huge post-war usage. Rayon is not nearly as durable and color-fast, and takes microscopic examination to diagnose.
Storage in *acid-free* tissue or between pieces of laundered and extremely well-rinsed all-cotton muslin fabric (no bleach or softener in the wash or rinse water!) will prolong the life of your textiles.
Your photographs do not enable evaluating what the silvery fiber might be. For textiles, a hands-on evaluation by an expert can tell you the most.
I wish you success.
Best regards,
Judy
URL Title :subu64\'s photos
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