Silk became an important means of exchange for trading with neighboring countries. Silk was even used as money during some Ancient Chinese dynasties. Later, silk clothing was restricted to only the noble class. We need you to answer this question! To weave ceremonial garments and gifts to foreign dignitaries, the emperor established silk factories. At first, only members of the royal family were allowed to wear silk. Because China silk comprised a large proportion of the trade along this ancient road, in 1877, it was named the 'Silk Road' by Ferdinand von Richthofen, an eminent German geographer. UNANSWERED. The use of silk in China possibly goes back even much earlier. Of all Chinese inventions, silk (絲 sī) is perhaps the oldest. Besides, silk was used as currency and a reward. China kept silk-making a secret from the rest of the world. Ancient China. Merchants and peasants were not allowed to wear silk. It’s said that until the second century B.C., silk remained an article known only to the Chinese. Wearing silk was an important status symbol. Traces of silk fabric have been found among remains from around 1300 B.C. Silk trade was famous in ancient China because back then, only China knew how to make silk, and anything rare is usually worth a lot. Silk in Chinese Culture Silk cloth was extremely valuable in Ancient China. What was silk used for in the ancient Chinese? See Full Answer 11. Silk. In ancient times, Chinese used silk for arts and decorations as well as for clothing.