This piece of silk was painted in China for export to Europe and would not have been used by the Chinese themselves. Silks like this were popular in the 19th century both as furnishing fabrics and as dress material. They were not very durable, however, as paint, unlike dye, does not penetrate the fibres of the fabric and so rubs off very easily. This blue silk seems never have been used, as it is in a nearly perfect condition.