The Silkworm Mat

Silkworm Matoriginal: 蠶箔 (cánbó). These are large, flat trays woven from bamboo, essential for holding silkworms and their food as they grow.

The illustration Referring to the woodcut diagram in the original manuscript, which depicts a rectangular frame with woven bamboo shows the structure of a Silkworm Mat. This device is a fundamental tool in the practice of sericulture the rearing of silkworms for silk production.

To construct the mat, a rectangular frame is prepared. Densely packed strips of bamboo are woven horizontally across the frame, supported by vertical ribs to ensure the surface remains firm and flat. This breathable bamboo weave allows for air circulation while providing a stable platform for the silkworms to rest on as they consume mulberry leaves. These mats are typically placed on multi-tiered racks within a rearing house to maximize space during the intensive growing season.