What raw materials were ancient linen made from?
Release Time：
2025-05-29 17:18
What materials were ancient linen made from? Hemp, ramie, Boehmeria nivea, and kudzu were the main raw materials for ancient linen in China. Zhuge Liang actually wore kudzu cloth and plain robes.
Traditional craftsmanship involves soaking in salt water or rice water, then drying to expose the fibers, and then using a dense metal comb to scrape them into coarse fibers, which can be used to make clothes, hats, shoes, etc. After pounding, the fibers split, and then a denser comb is used to scrape them into fine fibers, which can be used for high-end clothing.
Ramie is a unique crop in China primarily used for textile purposes, and it is a national treasure. China's ramie output accounts for over 90% of the world's total ramie output, and it is internationally known as 'China Grass'.
Ramie is suitable for cultivation in temperate and subtropical regions. The soil should be deep, loose, rich in organic matter, have good water and fertilizer retention, and good drainage, with a pH value between 5.5-6.5. China's main production areas are distributed between 19 and 39 degrees North latitude, with a history of ramie cultivation from Hainan Province in the south to Shaanxi Province in the north. They are generally divided into the Yangtze River Basin Ramie Region (including Hunan, Sichuan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Anhui provinces), South China Ramie Region (including Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Yunnan, Taiwan provinces/autonomous regions), and Yellow River Basin Ramie Region (including Shaanxi, Henan provinces, and southern Shandong province). Among these, the Yangtze River Basin Ramie Region is China's main ramie producing area, with its cultivation area and output accounting for over 90% of the national total cultivation area and total output.
Ramie is generally harvested 3 times a year, with a growth cycle of about 50-90 days, which varies with climate conditions. Ramie is a short-day plant; the length of day and night not only affects the timing of its flowering but also the male-to-female ratio. A day length of 8-9 hours promotes flowering but produces more female flowers, while a day length of 14 hours produces more male flowers.
The main component of ramie fiber is cellulose. Light intensity and daily sunshine hours significantly affect fiber yield. Insufficient sunlight weakens photosynthesis, leading to weak stems, thin bark, thin fiber cell walls, delayed technological maturity, and reduced yield. However, excessive sunlight, high temperatures, and drought can also inhibit the growth of ramie plants, causing cell lignification and reducing quality and yield.
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