Anna Maria Brandys

Sericulture dates back to ancient China. Today it is defined as a branch of agriculture dealing with the cultivation of mulberry for the purpose of silkworm farming and the production of silk. Due to the fact that the mulberry silkworm larvae eat white mulberry leaves, it is a plant inextricably linked with silkworm farming and, consequently the production of silk. Although white mulberry is mainly associated with the cultivation of mulberry silkworms, thanks to its numerous and unique properties, it is a plant that can be used in various branches of the economy, as well as a research object of interest to scientists representing various fields of science. Thanks to the content of many bioactive substances, micro- and macroelements and vitamins, it has been used in herbal medicine, pharmacology and medicine. The richness of bioactive compounds makes it also an attractive raw material for the food and cosmetic industry. At the same time, due to its high energy value, mulberry belongs to the group of energy crops. Both the unique properties of mulberry and the traditions associated with its cultivation have made it a plant appreciated not only by science, but also left its mark in culture, as it has accompanied people for centuries. It is not surprising, therefore, that mulberry was recorded in poems, folk proverbs and on painting canvases, including the most famous brush by Vincent van Gogh – “Mulberry Tree in Autumn”. On the other hand, the processing of mulberry silkworm cocoons into high-quality yarns, and ultimately into delicate but durable fabrics, had a significant impact on the development of art. Both in terms of the so-called applied arts, but also those referred to as beaux-arts. And although the definitions of art have changed throughout history – regardless of period or era – silk was invariably appreciated by artists and craftsmen. Thanks to its properties, quality and aesthetics, silk fiber offers a wide range of possibilities for use in papermaking, which is also important in the cultural context.