Pair of infant-sized, hand-embroidered, white silk slippers with cat motif

Clothing/Dress/Costume

-

Calvin University Center Art Gallery

The image depicts a pair of whimsical embroidered shoes designed to resemble animals, featuring intricate floral patterns and expressive facial details, including eyes and whiskers, on a white fabric background, which adds a playful and artistic touch to the footwear.

The image depicts a pair of whimsical embroidered shoes designed to resemble animals, featuring intricate floral patterns and expressive facial details, including eyes and whiskers, on a white fabric background, which adds a playful and artistic touch to the footwear.

Name/Title

Pair of infant-sized, hand-embroidered, white silk slippers with cat motif

Entry/Object ID

1989.15.10ab

Description

Pair of infant-sized, hand-embroidered, white silk slippers. (Left = a, Right = b) As symbols of longevity, these shoes may have represented cats in the hope that the infant would enjoy a long life. Other felines, such as tigers and lions, are also common in children’s clothing as a means of protection from harmful spirits.

Category

Vault, Chinese, Objects, Animals, Functional Object
Ethnic

Made/Created

Artist

Anonymous Chinese

Dimensions

Dimension Description

overall size

Height

2 in

Width

1-3/4 in

Depth

5 in

Exhibitions

90 Years of Collecting - September 4–October 20, 2012 Center Art Gallery
Permanent Collection exhibition - September 1, 2015 - May 2016 Center Art Gallery