Silk was produced in Japan from ancient times but was poor in quality compared to Chinese, and the peaceful era saw an increase in the desire for Chinese silk which was needed to produce expensive clothing.
日本でも絹は古代から産出したが、中国産に比べると品質が悪く、太平の世の到来で高級衣料である中国絹に対する需要が増大したためである。