Consumption of Chinese silk fabrics in Marseille and Seville, 1680-1840

Abstract

Historiography about Asian goods consumption in Early Modern Europe has advanced in the understanding of how these commodities changed consumption patterns and production in Europe. Global History indisputably has contributed with a theoretical perspective in this achievement. However, in this literature lacks more studies in the long term and in more specific geographical units. This research intends to contribute with a case study in two specific European ports: Marseille and Seville. The study is about the consumption of Chinese silk fabrics in 1680 ¿ 1840 period and has as aim find the way like these commodities change the taste and pattern of consumption in local population preparing the receipt of Silk fabrics with Chinese taste made in Europe in an import substitution process. An innovation in the research is the use of Chinese sources and the database of GECEM project.