Chinese Ivory and Blue Embroidered Shoes for Bound Feet
DateQing Dynasty, Guangxu Period, 1875-1908
Object NameShoes
Mediumsilk and cotton
ClassificationsFashion and Dress
DimensionsLeft shoe: height 7cm, width 4.3cm, length 13cm
Right shoe: height 6.5cm, width 4.3cm, length 13cm
Right shoe: height 6.5cm, width 4.3cm, length 13cm
AcquisitionCatherine Weller Bequest, 2017.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS093671
About MeIn China, women bound their feet as a symbol of beauty until the early 20th century.These ivory coloured silk shoes are embroidered in satin stitch with white and red flowers and foliage on both sides. In China, the colour red symbolises good fortune and joy.
The shoes are lined inside with blue cotton and have blue and white cotton soles with a slightly raised heel.
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
Qing Dynasty, mid - late 19th century
Qing Dynasty, mid 19th century
possibly early 20th Century
19th Century
