Entry/Object ID
013 ChineseDescription
Pair of traditional Chinese women's lotus shoes, fashioned from rich rust-colored silk with elongated, sharply pointed toes and contrasting royal blue fabric flaps. The uppers are delicately embroidered with flowering branches and stylized blossoms in shades of ivory, pale blue, green, and cream. Narrow decorative bands featuring intricate geometric patterns and small circular accents border the openings, while royal blue piping and green trim provide additional contrast. The extended blue flaps are embellished with delicate embroidery and pale fabric loops, and the interiors are lined in natural-colored textile. The shoes feature gently curved soles with low, shaped heels.
Lotus shoes were traditionally worn by Han Chinese women with bound feet, a practice associated with ideals of feminine beauty, refinement, and social status. Their diminutive proportions and distinctive pointed shape were designed to accommodate the altered form of the foot, while the elaborate embroidery and decorative detailing reflected the wearer's taste and the craftsmanship of Chinese textile artisans. The contrasting rust and royal blue fabrics, floral ornamentation, and unusual extended flaps make this pair a particularly decorative example of traditional Chinese women's footwear.Acquisition
Acquisition Method
PurchaseAmount Paid
$175.00Acquired From
Jon Eric RiisName/Title
#13 Chinese Ladies' Lotus Shoes