A raw silk fabric traditionally made from tussar or wild silk woven with a slightly nubby, uneven texture; it takes its name from the Chinese province of Shandong, though is now also produced in India and Thailand. It is sometimes called Nankeen or Rajah (the provinces where the yarn originates) or pongee.
It is a soft but firm, medium to heavy weight silk fabric suitable for country and urban settings as top curtains, under curtains, upholstery, fabric walling, cushions, lampshades and all accessories–we’ve equally pleated and quilted shantung for bedcovers and comforters. Available in an extensive range of colours, it gathers and frills well for very feminine treatments and finishes.
Cotton shantung is a very similar fabric without the drawbacks of silk,or for course, quite the beauty.