Chios was one of the most important centres of sericulture and silk production from the 13th to the early 19th century. Sericulture and the cultivation of mastic and citrus fruits were the largest contributors to the prosperity of the island and the granting of privileges under Turkish rule. The island undertook the entire production process from cultivation of the mulberry trees (locally known as Sikaminion), the rearing of the silkworms, reeling the thread from the cocoons, dyeing the thread, weaving the cloth and embroidery. Production included high-quality fabrics for dresses, kaftans, for interior decoration of mansion, church vestments, ornaments for clothing and gowns. Chiot creations were in great demand and could be found at the royal courts of Europe and in the mansions and  palaces of dignitaries throughout the Ottoman empire. This outstanding tradition in silk making stopped abruptly in 1822 with the Ottoman massacre of Chios.

Today to find any traces of this great tradition you must visit the New Monastery of Chios (Nea Moni), which is the most important Byzantine monument on the island with a history stretching back 10 centuries. In the small museum housed in in one of the monastic cells, among the sacred relics and other precious objects, is the “Pine Tree”, a large (2.50×3.50m) silver and gold woven silk fabric which stands out as an excellent example of Chiot textile art from 1742. it consists of four pieces sewn perfectly together and is believed to have served as the curtain of the Catholicon.