Muga silk
Also known as: Assam silk, Golden silk of India, Antheraea assamensis
Golden-yellow wild silk from India's Assam state — spun by the Muga silkworm Antheraea assamensis, with protected Geographical Indication (GI).
Description
Muga silk is produced exclusively in India's north-eastern Assam state by the wild silk moth Antheraea assamensis and has held Geographical Indication status since 2007. The larvae feed on the leaves of Persea bombycina (Som) and Litsea polyantha (Sualu) — the plant diet gives the silk its unique deep golden-yellow natural colour.
Muga is exceptionally strong and its shine actually intensifies with age instead of fading — traditionally Muga sarees are handed down through generations. The fibre is coarser than mulberry silk, with an irregular, slightly rough structure. World production is under 200 tonnes per year — a tiny share of global silk output —, which makes the price high and turns Muga into one of India's most exclusive natural materials.
- Wild silk from Assam, GI-protected since 2007
- Natural golden-yellow colour — not dyed
- Lustre increases with age instead of fading
- World output < 200 t/yr — niche luxury
Properties
| Fibre type | Natural fibre (animal, wild silk) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Assam (India) — GI-protected |
| Colour | Golden-yellow, undyed |
| Application | Sarees, scarves, ties, occasion blazers |
| World production | < 200 t/year |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: Muga silk Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muga_silk
