Sassanian silk industry, established in Iran.
Great importance to Islamic rulers.
Practice of distributing silk robes to courtiers and official as a mark of royal appointment or favor.

Textiles also important as a means to implement Sassanian motifs into other cultures.

Religious constraints stimulated new forms of art
Forbidden to drink from gold and silver vessels, okay to eat off gold/silver.
Wood, glass, ceramic had to be made for the more pious.


Article on Discovery.
http://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/journeys-into-the-unknown-91212/