also: せいけん
noun
raw silk fabric
Refers to fabric made from silk that has not been degummed, retaining its natural sericin. Used in traditional textiles and crafts.
生絹は独特の光沢と張りがある。
Raw silk fabric has a distinctive luster and stiffness.
絹 is the general term for silk, while 生絹 specifically refers to raw silk fabric that has not been degummed.
Compound of 生 (ki, 'raw, unprocessed') and 絹 (kinu, 'silk'). The reading きぎぬ is a rendaku form of きぬ.