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Sogdian Wool Textiles

Type Object Region Central Asia Time 701–800

Sogdian wool textiles were high-value 7th–8th century Central Asian goods noted for fine wool yarn, weft-faced compound weaves, and Sasanian-style pe…

Timeline

  1. 701–750Samarkand and Bukhara · SogdianaSogdian city-states relied on oasis agriculture and handicraft weaving to produce mainly woolen textiles with cotton and linen blends, their patterns incorporating Sasanian Persian artistic elements, serving local elites and long-distance caravan trade.
  2. 701–800Dunhuang · GansuSogdian caravans carried woolen textiles via the northern and southern routes of the Tianshan and the Hexi Corridor to the Tang Empire, selling them in Shazhou, Liangzhou, and Chang'an's West Market, forming a complementary trade structure with Central Plains silk.
  3. 713–800Chang'an West Market · ShaanxiLarge numbers of Sogdian foreign merchants settled in the West Market of Tang Chang'an, trading woolen textiles, jewelry, and slaves; excavated foreign-merchant tombs and epitaphs attest to their central role in the imperial capital's commercial network in the 8th century.

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