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As early as 3000BC, Chinese developed secret ways to produce high quality silk. When silk was first discovered, it was reserved exclusively for the use of the ruler. Gradually the various classes of society began wearing garments of silk, and silk came into more general use. During the Han Dynasty, silk ceased to be a mere industrial material and became an absolute value in itself. Farmers paid their taxes in grain and silk. Values were calculated in lengths of silk and became a currency used in trade with foreign countries.
silk robes
silk purses
Pashmina shawls
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