The source provides a comprehensive overview of lotus silk, explaining why this rare material is considered one of the most expensive and luxurious textiles globally. The episode highlights that lotus silk is unique because it is derived from lotus plant stems rather than silkworms, a process that is entirely manual and extremely labor-intensive, requiring thousands of stems for a small amount of fabric. Furthermore, its high price is driven by limited production in regions like Southeast Asia, its strong cultural and historical significance (often used for ceremonial robes), and high demand from the sustainable luxury market. The document details the meticulous steps of its production, from harvesting to weaving, emphasizing that the inability to mechanize the process keeps supply low and the cost high.

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