Handmade tea silk handbag retailer

Tea silk or xiangyunsha, (which translates as ‘fragrant cloud organdy') is a type of silk which has been through a complicated natural dye process with traditions that date back to the Ming Dynasty (14th – 17th century). It has been considered to be the most luxurious fabric, often known as 'soft silk'.

The production process uses pure natural materials, without any harsh chemicals. The silk is dyed 30 to 40 times with a type of tannin-rich yam, and laid out flat to dry between each immersion. It is covered with a particular type of uncontaminated, iron rich river mud, which endows it with its characteristic dark sheen. In the past, the silk was washed in a stew of leftover tea of its namesake before finishing. The process results in a natural, uneven shading; dark on one side and retailer a rust brown on the reverse.

The lustrous finish increases with age, like a pearl and as the material ages, the colour darkens and texture softens. These magical qualities mean that sometimes the silk is stored for years, before being fashioned into hand-stitched clothes.

Each piece is unique. 100% handmade, can be used as a shoulder bag, crossbody bag or clutch bag.

size: 20x16x8cm

Please contact me if you have any questions.