Silkworm Racks

Silkworm Racksoriginal: 蠶槌 (cánchuí). In the context of Ming and Qing dynasty sericulture, the term "chui" refers to the vertical wooden frames or trestles that support the large, flat baskets where silkworms feed and grow. This vertical stacking allowed for efficient use of space in the silkworm house.

[Illustration: Two women are shown tending to silkworms inside a specialized building. On the right, a woman is seen lifting or adjusting one of the large, circular trays within a series of tall, slanted wooden frames. On the left, another woman works at a lower station, perhaps sorting mulberry leaves or preparing the next tray.]

The production of silk was a highly organized domestic industry. These frames were designed to be both sturdy and accessible, allowing for the easy removal of trays for cleaning or for the distribution of fresh mulberry leaves. The "槌" (racks) depicted here represent the peak of pre-industrial agricultural efficiency, ensuring that thousands of silkworms could be managed simultaneously while maintaining the specific temperature and ventilation required for their development.