History of Silk

The Origins in China

The discovery of silk is attributed to the Chinese Empress Leizu, who around 2700 BC observed a silk cocoon falling into a cup of hot water and unraveling into a fine thread. Myth or reality, the fascination with this moment is still palpable today.

Archaeological findings prove that silk fabric was already produced in China around 3000 BC. Knowledge of silkworm breeding and fiber processing was a closely guarded state secret that was passed down for centuries.

The Silk Road

From the 2nd century BC, silk became the most important trade good along the Silk Road, which connected China with Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. In ancient Rome, it was considered the "textile of the emperor" and was a symbol of luxury and wealth. China maintained control over silk production for almost 3000 years.

Silk in Europe

In the 6th century, silkworms and mulberry seeds first reached Europe, allegedly through Byzantine monks who smuggled them in hollowed-out walking sticks. The first silk centers emerged in Italy, France, and Spain. Huguenots, French Protestants who had to flee due to their beliefs, later brought their weaving knowledge to Switzerland.

Silk in Switzerland

In the 18th and 19th centuries, silk weaving was one of Switzerland's most important economic sectors. The Zurich Oberland and the Rhine Valley thrived on it. With industrialization and the advent of artificial fibers, the industry lost significance.

Silk in the Zurich Albistal

The region around Obfelden and Hausen am Albis was a center of the Swiss silk industry. In 1825, Jakob Zürrer founded a silk weaving mill in Hausen am Albis, followed by Rudolf Stehli in Obfelden in 1837. The factories supplied world-renowned fashion houses such as Hugo Boss and Chanel, and almost all Swiss club flags were woven here. Many residents from the surrounding villages, including the neighboring Freiamt, worked in the factory in Obfelden.

Both companies ceased production during the 20th century. In 2013, after 188 years, the silk weaving mill in Hausen am Albis closed as the last location. However, the legacy lives on: In Hausen am Albis, Weisbrod still operates a 700 m² fabric store in the historic factory building, now in its sixth generation of family ownership. In Obfelden, the Stehli Seiden collection, the largest private collection on the Swiss silk industry, is located.

Swiss Silk Today

For several years, silk production in Switzerland has been experiencing a renaissance. Producers have joined forces through the SwissSilk association, raising silkworms and harvesting cocoons again. Feldseide is part of this movement, rooted in a region with a long silk tradition.