Pair of Silk Lotus Slippers

c. 1850
$580 USD
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Dimensions
W: 4.5" D: 6.0" H: 2.5"
Materials
Materials
Silk
Cotton
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CFC112B
Estimated Shipping
$25

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.

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Andrea Goldman | Andrea Goldman Design

“Over the years, I’ve incorporated many pieces from PAGODA RED into my designs. Not only can they balance new furnishings (and often new construction) by feeling more established, but the pieces emanate a sense of rich history, often leaving you wondering where they were in a previous life. These beautiful pieces carefully hand-selected by the team at PAGODA RED, coupled with their unbelievable customer service, make them a must-have for any home.”

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