Description
Photograph, 'Spinning silk', black and white, silver gelatin print, by Hedda Morrison, Peking, China, 1933-1946. The image hows a man spinning silk floss into thread. Only the upper body of the man is visible. He is holding a frame on which there are eight spindles of thread. Each spindle has thread wound onto it. He is possibly making silk rope (sidi). The process of spinning thread required a large, open space. In this instance, an area outside the city wall has been chosen, indicated by the high brick wall that can be seen behind the spinner.

Significance statement
Silk has been cultivated in China since ancient times and has long been regarded as one of China's most precious manufactured products. Silk featured prominently in the imperial wardrobe and was used for ceremonial textiles and as tribute gifts. Within the North Sea Lake or Beihai Park, one of the imperial lake parks, there was an Altar of Silkworms (Tsan Tan) which stood in a grove of Mulberry Trees, and the Hall of Imperial Silkworms (Qin Tsan Dian) where sacrifices were made to the God of Mulberries and the Goddess of Silkworms.

Production notes
This is one of a large number of photographs that were taken by Hedda Morrison (1908-1991) during her years of residence in Peking (Beijing), China 1933-1946.

History notes
Exhibited in 'An Asian experience: 1933-67', organised by the Asian Studies Association of Australia, Fisher Library Foyer, University of Sydney, 12-30 May 1986.

Credit line
Gift of Mr Alastair Morrison, 1992

Registration number
92/1414-215