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Pair of Chinese Silk Lotus Slippers, c. 1850
About the Item
These dainty, pointed slippers, made of cotton and silk embroidered with pink flowers, were shaped to resemble a lotus bud and enhanced the diminutive shape of bound feet. A practice that began in the Tang dynasty and reached the height of its popularity in the Qing dynasty, foot binding was a painful process intended to make a woman's feet as small as possible by restricting bone growth from an early age. The smaller the feet the more attractive and erotic they were, giving elite women a mark of elegance and a distinctive - albeit tortured - gait of small, light steps. These silk lotus slippers give us a glimpse into this curious practice and the complicated role fashion played in gender identity throughout China’s past.
From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.
- Dimensions:Height: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Depth: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)
- Style:Qing (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1850
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
4.9
PAGODA RED is a renowned resource for designers as well as collectors of contemporary and ancient Chinese, Korean and Japanese art. They offer a curated edit of fine and provincial furniture, ceramics, scholars' objects, and paintings and textiles, each piece historically and geographically authentic.
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Chicago, IL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
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