During the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An was one of Southeast Asia?s busiest commercial centres. Merchant ships from Thailand, China, Japan, India, Portugal, the Netherlands, Britain and Spain docked in droves, bringing earthenware, porcelain, Chinese herbal medicine, sulphur and weaponry in exchange for the area?s gold, swallows? nests, pepper, cinnamon, amber, wooden furniture and silk. Silk has become a popular item in Hoi An, thus the silk lantern was made into production, due to high demands in interior design. The popular Hoi An Silk Lantern was formed and has become a popular home decor item ever since.