As an essential part of traditional Chinese culture, silk fabric not only carries a wealth of cultural symbolism but also, under the background of modern social change and the Industrial Revolution, its imagery and symbolism have undergone a remarkable transformation. This paper analyzes how silk fabric has gradually transformed from a traditional luxury item symbolizing aristocracy and affluence to a medium reflecting social reality, class change, and cultural identity. This transformation was further accelerated by technological shifts in dyeing: the transition from expensive natural dyes to inexpensive synthetic alternatives not only reduced production costs but fundamentally stripped silk of its aura of “pure” luxury, embedding it deeply within the logic of industrial reproduction. By closely examining representative works by authors such as Lu Xun, Mao Dun, Eileen Chang, and Mo Yan, this paper analyzes the diverse uses of silk fabric in literature, demonstrating its pivotal role in narrative structure, thematic deepening, emotional resonance, and cross-cultural communication, by serves as a tangible narrative anchor that weaves together disparate plot threads, materializes abstract social transformations, and provides a physical medium for the fragile psychological states of characters amidst turbulent times. In addition, the modern evolution of silk fabric imagery has profoundly impacted contemporary literary creation, providing new perspectives for the understanding of literary works and enriching the artistic expression and cultural connotation of works. This study analyzes how silk functions and transforms within modern literature, offering new theoretical perspectives on the utilization of cultural symbols in literary creation.

silk fabric, modern times, imagery, cultural interpretation