Brown-foundation Samite with Small Beaded Floral Medallions Front

Warp-faced compound tabby originated in the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) and Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC-220 AD) had been a major category of textiles in China until the early Tang (618-907 AD). But compound twill emerged later thanks to the cultural exchanges between the west and the east as well as the development of China’s weaving techniques. Having kept the Han-style weave structure and the feature of making motifs visible based on variation of warp thread colors, the newly-emerged fabric form boasted a firmer texture and a more eye-catching palette than the warp-faced silk tabby.