Entry/Object ID
002 ChineseDescription
Pair of traditional Manchu women's platform shoes dating to the late Qing Dynasty, circa 1890. The deep blue silk uppers are decorated with stylized pink satin flowers, green foliage, and delicate floral embroidery in shades of rose, ivory, and gold. Contrasting black velvet bands frame the openings and rounded toes, while narrow embroidered floral trim in pink and green provides an additional decorative accent. The interiors are lined in pale ivory fabric.
The shoes rest on distinctive, tall, ivory-colored fabric-covered platforms with narrow, recessed waists and broad, flared bases, characteristic of Manchu flowerpot shoes (huapen di xie). Traditionally worn by Manchu women of elevated social standing, these shoes formed an important element of Qing Dynasty court and formal attire. Their unusual construction created an elegant, measured gait and distinguished Manchu footwear from the smaller shoes associated with Han Chinese foot-binding traditions. The colorful floral ornamentation reflects the refined textile craftsmanship and decorative symbolism of the period.Made/Created
Date made
circa 1890Time Period
Late Qing Dynasty / Early Republic PeriodAcquisition
Acquisition Method
PurchaseAmount Paid
$975.00Date
Jan 19, 1993Acquired From
Linda WrigglesworthDisposition
Disposition Method
TransferDate Disposed
Apr 24, 2018Transferred/Sold To
Jon Eric RiisName/Title
#2 Chinese Ladies' Manchu Platform Shoes