Xuanzang, a famous Chinese Buddhist monk, recorded an interesting story in his book Da-TangXi-TuJi (Tang Dynasty Travels in the Western Regions). In ancient time, the king ofKustana (in present Xinjiang Hotan region) learnt that the neighboring country at its east side, China had silkworm and mulberry, he sent his envoy to ask for a favor. The emperor of the eastern country not only denied the knowledge, but also ordered to implement strict border inspection to prevent the export of silkworm stocks. But this did not deter the king of Kustana and he thought out a new strategy He wrote a flattering letter together with valuable gifts and presents to the Emperor and asked for his permission  to marry his daughter. Out of an intention to cultivate a good will of the neighboring ruler, the emperor of the eastern country granted his demand. The ruler of Kustana asked his envoy to tell to the princess that he hoped her to bring some silkworm stocks with her so that he could make dress with silk fabrics for her after the marriage. The princess believed him and hid silkworm stocks under her hat when she was traveling to Kustana to marry the king. The border soldiers strictly examined and checked everyone of the entourage except the princess herself. In this way, the silkworm stocks were introduced to Kustana.

Among Western scholars, ancient Greek poet Aristofen was the first to write on silk. He referred to a long frock called Amorgia, which was made from silk fabrics. It was around the sixth century AD that Chinese silkworm stocks and sericulture were finally introduced to Europe.Before that time, the West had no knowledge of the technique of seri-culture and filature. But Europeans were able to spin raw silk imported from China or to use Chinese thin silk to produce silk thread before mixing with twine and turning into finished products. These semi-transparent silk yarns had been one of the fabrics most favored by ancient Occidentals.