Embroidered Chinese Shoes

While on vacation earlier this year, I stumbled upon a fascinating display of embroidered Chinese Shoes.  Although the practice of foot-binding would be considered cruel by today's standards, these shoes were created during a time when it was the customary practice and they should be viewed with that in mind. The craftsmanship is exquisite and I thought


some of you might want to see them also. The display case was glass, but I've cropped out as much of the glare as possible. The wording on the frame is as follows:

Antique Chinese Shoe Collection

Scholars' reasons vary about the reason young Chinese

women were subjected to the grueling process of foot-
binding. According to some, it was initiated a thousand
years ago by Yaoniang, a Chinese prince's concubine. Her
tiny feet allowed her to walk with such grace that she
became known as the "Lily-footed Maiden," and many women
chose to have their feet bound to achieve the same grace.

Foot bones were broken and the foot bound to stop growth

when girls were between four and eight. Bandages were
tightened regularly until the desired shape was achieved.
As tiny feet became the mark of respectability, women
of all social levels participated. In certain regions, a woman
with normal feet was considered immoral. So firm was
the belief in foot-binding that a betrothal could be broken
if a man discovered his bride did not have tiny feet.

Very young children would wear satin booties when

carried in their baby carrier on special occasions.
Children's foot-wear were also made in the form of a dog,
cat, tiger, or pig. The foot-wear were designed with large
eyes to see evil lurking, furry ears to hear it and whiskers
to feel it with the intent to frighten away bad spirits.

Animals to scare away anything that needs to be scared away.

Earth tones and the oldest use of rick-rack that I've ever seen.

All stitched by hand. Amazing.

Not soft-soled as some of the other cloth shoes.

This is my second favorite pair.

Applique and Embroidery!

These are beautiful and so well preserved.

Very, very tiny feet.

These look like house slippers you could purchase today.

This is my favorite pair.

If you have photos of unique uses of embroidery, past or present, send them to schools@bsewinn.com and we'll show them off also. Be sure to tell us where you took the photos. This particular display is in Oahu, HI