Silk guilds

Silk guilds were associations of silk weavers and merchants in historical China, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties. These guilds organized craftsmanship, set standards for quality, and regulated trade within the silk industry. They also provided social support for their members, maintained traditions, and protected their economic interests. Essentially, silk guilds helped ensure the production of high-quality silk and sustained the industry’s growth by fostering cooperation and mutual accountability among artisans and traders.