中國織繡藝術歷史悠久，其中緙絲以其高超的技巧及藝術價值為人所喜愛，然而，今日吾人所見到清宮舊藏的緙絲作品，最早僅能追溯到宋代，而在文獻記載上，「緙絲」一詞也晚至南宋才出現，較諸中國織繡之歷史，顯得相當晚出。本文將針對緙絲名稱與技法兩方面探討起源。先論「緙絲」之名之由來，或為南宋時人，從古代回鶻人之稱呼轉譯而來，非中國固有之名稱；而緙絲技法之由來，考察現存傳世作品，及考古出土文物可知，當可追溯到唐代之前。因此，就技巧言，緙絲傳入中國之時間，應早於隋唐，但「緙絲」一詞，當晚於南宋之後，才漸漸普及，為人所知。

Chinese silk tapestries with brilliant techniques and high art values are beloved by people, yet today we see the Chinese silk tapestries originally owned by Manchu Emperors can only trace back to Song dynasty. It is quite late of the era when compare with the long history of Chinese silk produce. The essay would talk about the origin of Chinese silk tapestries, according the name and techniques. The name Kesi (Chinese silk tapestry) might be the translation of Uighur language, not ancient Chinese name. And through the left artworks and the discovery of ancient textures, the technique might be known by Chinese before the era of Tang dynasty. Therefore, we may suggest the tapestry technique were known by Chinese before 7th century, but the nameKesi wasnot used until 11th century.