Many amazing things that we use to this day have come to us from the East. And the fact that we did not even try to adopt, is still fascinating. The culture of China is amazing: breathtaking landscapes, beautiful traditions and breathtaking legends. China in the past was one of the most closed countries in the world, and the export of secrets was punished very strictly - the thief was deprived of his life. It was from there that silk came to us. Its manufacture was the greatest secret that no one could repeat. Therefore, this Chinese fabric was valued on a par with gold. But not only about silk, you can say that. Brocade is a fabric that originated in this eastern country.
Fabric history
Brocade fabric (photos are presented in the article) has a long history. Its roots stretch as far as the end of the thirteenth century. For the first time, it was Chinese craftswomen who made brocade. Then they learned about it in a no less colorful and spicy country - India. This Asian state was then closely connected with Europe. And Byzantine merchants often made purchases there.
The precious fabric went to the shore of the Black Sea. And from Byzantium - all over the world. Brocade is a fabric, the manufacturing process of which then no one could bite through to repeat this miracle. Therefore, it was taken for the manufacture of royal and imperial dresses. No one then could boast of such a chic robe. Priests and bishops, who, as you know, were also very wealthy and revered, wore brocade robes. Therefore, this fabric soon became associated with the royal court, nobility, wealth and luxury. And that was really so. After all, it attracted not only a secret "recipe", but also precious impregnations.
What is brocade (fabric)?
There are several types of brocade. But they were all preceded by one - the very one that was associated with mountains of gold. The whole secret was in gold. Brocade is a union of silk base and gold, silver or other metal threads. This makes the canvas stiff and resilient.
Of course, brocade production required effort and expense. Gold can be pulled into the thinnest wire, because it is a very ductile metal, but the fabric was sky-high expensive. Later it was modernized. Precious threads began to be replaced with alloys with a lower content of noble metals. And the base was replaced with a softer one, so that wearing clothes was more convenient. And the fabric has retained the former richness of colors, patterns and applications. So the first species was born, which is simply called brocade.
But brocade lycra was created relatively recently. Unlike the classic version, it is not at all rough and not rigid, but very well stretched. 100% silk brocade is used only for sewing something solemn and weekend. In general, the properties of brocade depend on impurities and inserts. With the addition of lurex, it becomes more elastic, the more shiny threads - the harder it is.
Brocade Care
Brocade - the fabric is very moody. And if you planted a spot, then there is a risk of completely destroying the output suit. If you get rid of dirt on the front side, the situation can only get worse: you drive the dirt deep into the fabric. But from the inside you can try to do it, but only very carefully. If you are not confident in your abilities or an outfit is very dear to you, dry cleaning will do the best. Be careful and ironed. Iron it very carefully from the inside out, setting the mode to silk. Wash in warm, slightly soapy water, while being careful not to deform the fabric.
Application of brocade
It so happened that it is with power and luxury that we associate brocade (fabric). The price for it in the Middle Ages was really high, but now it is quite democratic. Therefore, this fabric is widely used. Basically, these are decorative materials: pillows or curtains, etc. If you want to go out in this outfit, then brocade will look good in wedding dresses, and in weekend or evening looks. Combine it with light tissues. Brocade is still used in theater, because the outfits made of it look really beautiful and rich.