Special Animal Fibers in Chinese Ancient Textiles

摘要

The utilization of some special animal fibers including cashmere, yak hair, camel hair, rabbit hair and feathers is illustrated by literature and the archaeological discoveries. The utilization of cashmere, yak hair and camel hair can be traced back to about 4000 years ago or even earlier; rabbit hair textiles were produced in Tang Dynasty; feathers have been utilized in textiles since Spring and Autumn period, and feather fabrics prevailed from Tang Dynasty until Ming and Qing Dynasty. The spinning technology of special animal fibers and the structure and processing of threads reproduced from peacock feathers were analyzed.