Traditionally in China and Japan, cocoons pierced by the moth as it emerged were not used for spun silk yarn but were degummed and opened up under water before stretching on a frame or mould to produce squared or cap shaped mawata (the Japanese work for silk wadding). This was used for padded winter clothing and a small strip of mawata can often be found in the hem of Japanese kimonos for added weight.

China's mawata-making industry has become standardised with layers of cocoons stretched over shaped bamboo or porcelain dome shaped moulds to form caps. Caps, each weighing 10 - 35 grams are then packaged together as a bell (usually weighing 500grams although they much weigh as much as 700gms). One cap, often with a chop ticket under the top fine layer of mawata, is stretched over the bell and tied at the bottom.

Peel fine layers from the caps for use as they are or pull into whatever shape you want. Keep hands well apart when working and work with a fine layer or it may seem too tough to work. Pull and twist, cut and shape, sculpt and form - so very many possibilities.

Fine, fine layers
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