3-Thread Silk for Gongbi Painting, 33.5" Width Cut to Order | 4 Colors Available - see options

Experience the refined quality of our premium 3-thread, 100% silk, specially selected for Gongbi painting—the traditional Chinese style known for precise linework, carefully layered color, and delicate washes.

Woven in Hu Zhou, Zhejiang Province, China, this silk reflects the region’s respected tradition of fine silk craftsmanship. It has a smooth, uniform texture with no clearly distinguishable front or back, allowing you to work comfortably on either side. Its subtle luster creates an elegant foundation for detailed Gongbi paintings, fine-line work, and controlled color applications.

Available Colors

Choose from four classic silk colors:

• Pearl White — 素白: A soft natural white with a subtle silk luster.
• Tea Green — 茶綠: A muted, earthy green with a gentle olive-tea tone.
• Light Silver — 淺灰: A delicate pale gray with a quiet, elegant sheen.
• Light Antique Gold — 淺仿古: A soft, aged golden-beige inspired by traditional antique paper and painting-mounting colors.

Because silk is a natural material, slight color variation may occur between dye lots. Actual colors may also differ somewhat from the photographs due to lighting and individual screen settings.

Size & Ordering

• Fixed fabric width: 33.5 in. / 85 cm

• Order options:

  • Per Yard: 1 yard = 36 in. / 91.44 cm in length

  • Per 14-Inch Cut Length: Each quantity = 14 in. / 35.6 cm in length

• Quantity: Select your preferred unit and adjust the quantity for the total length needed.

For example:

• Quantity 2 of Per Yard = one continuous piece measuring 33.5 in. wide × 72 in. long, whenever possible.

• Quantity 3 of Per 14-Inch Cut Length = one continuous piece measuring 33.5 in. wide × 42 in. long, whenever possible.

All orders are cut as one continuous piece whenever possible.

Traditionally Prepared for Gongbi

This silk has been treated with an alum solution, following a traditional preparation method for Chinese painting silk. The treatment helps control the movement of ink and color on the surface, reducing excessive spreading and smearing. It is especially well suited to the patient, detailed methods of Gongbi painting, including fine outlines, repeated color layers, and carefully softened washes.

The alum preparation also contributes to improved resistance to insects and mildew.

Do I Need to Stretch the Silk?

For most smaller Gongbi paintings and practice studies, stretching is not necessary. Victoria does not normally stretch silk for painting demonstrations, pre-class studies, or works approximately the size of standard computer paper.

For larger paintings, you may stretch the silk by pinning it onto a wooden frame with push pins, similar to preparing a canvas. This can help keep the silk taut while you paint. You can see an example of students working with silk stretched on wooden frames in this YouTube video.

Even when silk is stretched, excessive water can still cause slight buckling. Good water control is more important than stretching alone.

Painting Tip: The Two-Brush Technique

For best results, use the traditional two-brush technique:

• Apply color with one brush.

• Use a damp sponge brush or water brush to soften, guide, and even out the wash.

This technique helps prevent color puddles, controls water movement, reduces wrinkling, and creates the smooth, gradual color transitions characteristic of Gongbi painting.

Product Details

Please note: Natural silk may show minor variations in weave, color, texture, and raw edge appearance. These characteristics are normal and do not affect its suitability for painting.