Chinese Cream and Green Embroidered Shoes for Bound Feet

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Chinese Cream and Green Embroidered Shoes for Bound Feet

DateQing Dynasty, mid - late 19th century

Object NameShoes

Mediumsilk, cotton, wood and leather

ClassificationsFashion and Dress

DimensionsMax Length: 9.5cm
Max Height: 11.3cm
Max Width: 4.2cm

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS082651

Keywords

About MeChinese cream and green silk embroidered shoes for bound feet.

The main part of each shoe is made from cream silk, which has been embroidered with silk threads in floral and foliage motifs, possibly magnolias. The main part of the shoe also features two embroidered exotic birds either side of the pointed up-turned toe. The back of the shoe features a cream cotton heel support. The heel and sole of the shoe appears to be shaped from wood and covered in a green silk, which has been embroidered with flowers. The heel is of a double shape, which is created due to an arch. The sole is made from leather.

In Chinese culture the magnolia symbolises feminine beauty.

Specially selected women, usually from wealthy families, began to bind their feet in China as an expression of beauty, sometime during the Song Dynasty 960-1279 A.D. The custom dictated that the women’s feet should be no longer than three inches. This had the effect of making the women sway when they walked, like a lotus flower in the breeze, giving them the name of ‘lotus foot’. Young girls, around the age of six years, would be carefully chosen and presented by their mothers to the village grandmother, who would start the foot binding process.

Women with bound feet were afforded a certain status in society as they symbolised gentility, wealth and power. This made them desirable for marriage, especially as many girls’ families could provide large dowries. They were well provided for with exquisite clothes and servants and even favoured by Emperors.
Shoes were made specifically to the measurements of each wearer and embroidered with animals and birds symbolic of feminine beauty. They were expected to be worn day and night, with specific designs and styles for every occasion.

By the 19th century the custom had spread to the eldest daughters of lower-class families, who would be brought up as a lady, with their siblings as bond servants. By the beginning of the 20th century foot binding had begun to die out.