Name/Title
Embroidered Chinese Foot Binding ShoeEntry/Object ID
2025.05.28.09Description
A small embroidered shoe made of pink silk, linen, and leather.Use
This item was used for the traditional practice of Chinese foot binding. Foot binding, also known as 纏足 (chánzú) in Chinese, was a traditional practice in China where young girls had their feet broken and tightly bound to achieve smaller feet. These bound feet were considered a sign of beauty and social status, particularly among elite women, but the practice was painful and caused lifelong disabilities. Young girls' feet were broken, often with the use of bandages or straps, to reshape and shrink them. The goal was to create small, arched feet, which were referred to as "lotus feet" and were associated with elegant shoes known as "lotus shoes".Context
The practice began in the 10th century and gained popularity during the Song dynasty, eventually spreading to lower classes by the Qing dynasty. Initially associated with court dancers, it became a symbol of beauty and social standing for women.
Foot binding was extremely painful and caused a variety of physical problems, including bone fractures, nerve damage, and limited mobility. It was a lifelong disability that significantly restricted women's lives.
The practice of foot binding was directly linked to social class. Women who's physicality was considered expendable, like wealthy women of the upper classes, would engage in the practice at a young age due to the fact that they weren't participating in daily strenuous physical labor like the lower classes. The foot binding practice and in result, small feet, was also important because it made the woman look more attractive in terms of marital prospect.
The business of making "lotus shoes" was also important to the lower and middle classes as they were often tasked with constructing and hand embroidering the shoes. The business was considered lucrative for anyone who had the skill for it and the trend lasted for centuries, so the job was also considered prevalent and secure as the practice of foot binding saw no end for several years.Dimensions
Height
2-1/2 inWidth
1-3/4 inLength
3-3/4 inLocation
Location
Box
Document Box 31Area
Museum Floor LandingBuilding
George Hail Free LibraryDate
May 28, 2025Valuations
Valuation Type
EstimateValue
$300.00Date
Jul 23, 2025Create Date
May 28, 2025Update Date
July 23, 2025
