SV 01
Late 19th c. Black and white patterned cotton with white silk ribbon along top line trim. Geometric designed uppers w/ floral and swastika motif. Light one piece padded arched soles w/ stitched geometric pattern of endless knot symbol. Lightly worn. Character wan (卐 or 卍) is homonym for the word "ten thousand" or “infinity". It is also a symbol of immortality and a representation of longevity. 5 in. x 2.5 in x 2 in.
SV 02
Late 19th C. Likely Zhejiang Provence. Southwestern folk style everyday shoes w/ colorful floral motif embroidered on red cotton uppers. Pale blue detail around moon gate. White lowers w/ green cotton edging around heel. Black pattern on back of heels w/ lavender and blue ribbon decoration. Wooden, gently arched heel w/ heavily worn sole pads. Perfume storage in rear sole support. 3.5 in. x 2.5 in. x 1.5 in.
SV 03
Late 19th C. Shanxi region. Distinctive gently curved one-piece high heel w/ sloping border on vamp. Padded cotton from and back sole supports. Fine yellow ladder rungs on moon gate surrounded by by gold and black geometric patterned ribbon. Bright green silk uppers w. colorfully embroidered floral motif. Stitched violet stars on inner heels, lotus flower on outer. Colorful pastel stitching of landscape and flora on the back of both heels. Likely made by a woman of means, an actress or courtesan. Green is another lucky color and corresponds with the wood element. Green is also the color of wealth, fertility and regeneration. Good Condition. 3.5 in. x 3 in. x 2
SV 04
Late 19th C. White silk vamp w/ checkerboard ribbon trim and black satin collar. Hand embroidered avian and floral motif on sides, Violet and grey embroidered coin symbols on back. Red and grey/green heel lifts. Quilted soles w/ stitched auspicious symbols. Leather reinforcements on both heel and toe of sole. White has both positive and negative symbolism. It represents purity, cleanliness and innocence. However, it is also associated with mourning and death. 6 in. x 3 in. x 2 in.
SV 05
Late 19th C. Shanxi style red curly toe shoes w/ red lowers and black uppers separated by a pink, with, yellow and blue auspicious endless knot motif. The red lowers are embroidered with a floral motif. The black uppers are also couched with gold endless knots as are the back heel’s embroidered in an alternative design of the same motif. Black heel lifts and heel lift supports w/ padded quilted cotton soles. Well worn. 4 in. x 3.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 06
Late 19th C. Taiwanese. Probably wedding Shoes. Red silk and Satin uppers embroidered with animal, (Deer?) and floral motif. Large red heel lift and heel lift support. High raw cotton heels with hand embroidered lotus flower motif, rimmed with multi-color blue, red and beige ribbon on bottom. Quilted and padded cotton sole soles w/ slightly curled toe. 3.5 in. X 3 in. x 2 in.
SV 09
Late 19th C. Taiwan Style in multiple colors of cotton. Deep dark green/grey uppers with red/orange bulging gathered heel area. Minimally embroidered avian and floral motif near toe. Turquoise ladder rungs around small moon gate . Black and white striped heel lifts. White high wedge heel w/ black band straps possibly to support perfume storage. Worn quilted cotton soles. 5.5 in. X 4 in. X 1.75 in.
SV 11
Late 19th C. Northern style, Shanxi Provence. Orange satin uppers w/ elaborate embroideries four legged frog w/ tongue out motif, Shou or endless knot and floral (possibly lily or lotus) motif with cocoons. White cotton raised heel w/ embroidered floral motif that eludes to the shape of a butterfly but is clearly a lotus flower. Decorative ribbon around moon gate and collar. Intact yellow ladder rungs. Pale blue cotton heel lifts. 4 in. x 3.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 13
Late 19th C. Manchuria. Manchurian women did not bind their feet. Instead they would mimic the gate of the Han women who did bind their feet by creating shoes to accommodate normally shaped feet and attaching variously shaped high platforms to the soles. Likely just as difficult to walk in. Pink uppers with embroidered fish and floral motif. Black top ribbon around collar and down the back side. Blue/green pots on the toe which curls up from the sole to the top of the moon gate. Uncolored cotton wrapped wooded heels with padded and quilted cotton soles. 9 in. x 5 in. x 3 in.
SV 15
Late 19th C. Interior Southwest, Anhui style. Typical arc at the throat in contrasting color, (lime green silk here), Orange uppers w/ embroidered floral, bat and coin motifs towards the front, separate gold couched cloud motif towards the back sides. Heavy use of French knot stitches and gold couching all over. Hemp or cotton reinforced heel lifts. Gold thread and pink silk ribbon w/ black trim around collar. Flat quilted soles with minimal wear. 5 in. x 2.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 16
Late19th C. Shanxi Region. Red/orange cotton chintz uppers with embroidered floral and coin motif. Red intact ladder rungs laced across vamp or moon gate. Blue and white patterned lace ribbon around top of collar w/ thick gold couching. Unusually half cylindrical barrel shaped heel w/blue water, mountain and floral motif embroideries. Padded and quilted sole, reinforces at heel and toe. 4.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 17
Late 19th C. Southwest Anhui style. Light pink uppers w/ elaborate floral motif embroidery. Extensive gold couching along uppers. Gold and black ribbon around collar. Arc at the throat of green cotton chintz surrounded on top by gold pink and white ribbon . Light blue trim around throat and collar. Unidentified embroidery motif on back sides. Pale green heel lifts. Wood and padded cotton short oval heels. Padded cotton soles. 5 in. x 2 in. x 2 in.
SV 18
Late 19th C. Shanxi Provence, Lin-Fun Sleeping shoes w. Blue poms on toes. Purple, gold and black uppers with auspicious symbols, endless knots on sides, and minimal floral motif near toes. Uniquely shaped rounded heel w/ colorful floral ribbon. Slightly worn quilted Collin soles. Beige cotton heel lift and heel lift reinforcements. Moon gates are stitched closed together w/ white thread. 5.5 in. x 2.75 in. x 2 in.
SV 19
Late 19th C. Hebei Provence, Possibly Beijing. Red silk uppers w/ hand embroidered avian (possibly magpie) and floral motif. Blue, magenta and green silk ribbon trim on front. Ornate lime green heel lift w/ gold embroidered Shou or eternal knots. Floral motif embroidered on violet heels w/ embellishments of blue and orange ribbon. Grey satin moon gate. Quilted cotton soles with stitched geometric patterns in tow parts toe and heel. 3.5 in. x 2.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 20
Late 19th C. Southern Shanxi Provence, Wedding or special occasion shoes. Red silk uppers w/ embroidered floral, butterfly and auspicious symbol motifs. Black cloud form tops around the collar with floral and avian motif embroidery. Thin patterned blue and white ribbon applied across vamp. Hemp or cotton heel lift reinforcements. Hight floating heel w/ chrysanthemum embroidery on back. Padded violet sole w/ floral stitching. 3.5 in. x 3 in. x 2 in.
SV 21
Late 19th C. Possibly interior northwest. Blue/grey cotton uppers w/ light blue ribbon and circular cold couching across vamp. Vamp embroidered with floral and avian motifs embellished with more gold couching. Orange heel lift and orange trim around sole. White cotton heel w/ embroidered demonic full face including protruding nose and growling sharp tooth mouth. Black padded soles with mild wear. 3 in. x 4 in. x 2 in.
SV 25
Late 19th C. Shanxi Provence. Yellow cotton chintz uppers w/ floral motif. Multi-layer colored ribbons around moon gate. Green stitched cloud motif on back of heel. Black trim around collar. Worn blue and white ribbon around wood barrel shape heel. Padded light blue cotton sole . Pink flat sole on heel. Damaged orange poms on toes. Yellow, corresponding with earth, is considered the most beautiful and prestigious color. Yellow often decorates royal palaces, altars and temples, and the color was used in the robes and attire of the emperors. 4 in. x 3 in. x 2 in.
SV 26
Late 19th C. Shanxi Provence. Elaborately pointed yellow silk uppers w/ embroidered floral and cat w/ long whiskers motifs on all four sides. Pink and violet applied ribbon and bright orange trim around moon gate. Large blue silk wrapped barrel heel w/ colorful ribbon and orange trim around bottom and seam. Light blue padded and quilted cotton sole w/ floral motif stitching. Possibly intended as an offering or gift. Excellent condition. 3.75 in. x 3.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 30
Late 19th C. South-Central ChinaGreen Satin uppers w/ figurative embroidery embellished w/ lanterns, musical instruments and gold thread clouds. White silk Moon gates with floral motif embroidery. Red cotton stitching on toes and violet/pink trim stitching around moon gate. Black silk trim around collar. Hemp and cotton heels w/ quilted cotton soles. 4 in. x 2.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 31
Late 19th C. Southern China, Possibly Shaanxi Provence, Xi’An region. Red fabric uppers w/ embroidered goat, coin , human, and avian motifs. Strong blue heel lifts. Multitudinous thin loose black straps back. Black and red applied ribbon and black trim around collar. Thick blue patterned Ribbon around wooden heel. Quilted blue cotton sole and worn blue cotton sole on heel. 4.5 in. x 2.25 in. x 2 in.
SV 33
Late 19th C. Shanxi -style boots. Lower half of upper made of violet floral motif embroidered silk. The upper half or moon gate area made of black silk separated by thin patterned ribbon. Quarters stiffened w/ vertical bamboo boning inside. Attached orange/peach color tall ankle coverings w/ thick violet ribbon topper w/ lovely blue and white patterns. White quilted cotton soles with wear on toe and heel. 4.5 in. x 7 in. x 2 in.
SV 34
Late 19th C. Shandong or Jiangsu Region. First stage all white widow’s funeral shoes, (To be burnt after the funeral.) All white cotton uppers and component parts. Elegant cross folded tongue at moon gate. White front heel lift with subtle light blue/grey on back. All white heel lift supports. Cotton padded soles w/ iron nailed leather pad on heel and stitched leather padding on toe. 5.5 in. x 2.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 35
Late 19th C. Shanxi, Provence. Second phase widow’s mourning Shoes. To be worn for 100 days following the funeral. White cotton body with light grey silk across vamp and moon gate. White and light grey heel lifts w/ separated heel lift supports. Padded cotton soles w/ blue and violet ribbon piece across toe. Simple white barrel shaped heel with worn padded cotton heel soles. 5 in. x 3.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 36
Late 19th C. Northern-style, third stage widow’s mourning shoes. After 100 days from the funeral the second phase mourning shoes are to be replaced with these third phase shoes which are to be worn for one year. A little more color is introduced in the ribbons surrounding the moon gate and the pomms on the toes. Blue cotton lowers around northern-style heel. No heel lifts. The uppers are uncolored and un-embroidered linen. No padding on cotton soles. 4 in. X 2.75 in. X 2 in.
SV 37
Late 19th C. Shanxi-style. Fourth phase widow’s mourning shoes. After wearing the third phase shoes for one year, these fourth stage shoes were to be worn the 2nd to 3rd year after funeral. One side of each shoe has color and the other side is still white. Black trim around collar. Elaborate floral embroidery and applied ribbon on pink side. Blue heel lift. Intact ladder rungs with yellow laces. Bright red embroidery of shooting star on worn blue cotton padded sole. 3.75 in. X 2.25 in. x 1.5 in.
SV 38
Late 19th C. Shanxi-style. Fifth phase widow’s mourning shoes to be worn 3 years after the funeral. Uncolored white cotton uppers on one side, light turquoise cotton uppers on the other sides. Colorful floral, butterfly, and goldfish motif embroideries w/ thin patterned ribbon application on both sides. Black trim to sew up moon gate and collar. Grey cotton heel lifts. Worn quilted cotton soles w/ missing leather heel and toe pads. Embroidered black lotus outline between heel and toe of sole. 4.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 39
Late 19th C. Southern Anhui or eastern Hubei Provence style. Red silk uppers covered in elaborate French knot embroidery w/ floral, tea, human, fish, auspicious symbol and animal motifs all over. Minimal gold couching around bottom edge. Black and blue patterned ribbon around arc and collar. Loose laced yellow ladder rungs on back of heel. Light green heel with thin line of floral motif embroidery around shoe. Pink/red triangular heel lifts. Worn quilted cotton sole with very slight arch. Slightly curled toes. Characteristics of this style are the arc and the art at the throat in contrasting color. Foot binding came to the interior southwest regions late. Often a result of Han Chinese settlers moving into frontier areas populated by ethnic minority groups. 5 in. x 2.75 in x 2
SV 40
Late 19th C. Fujian Provence (Southern China). Loose red cotton chintz uppers w/ minimal floral motif embroidery around toe. Thick embroidered violet trim around collar. Large patched red fabric attached to back end of uppers on all sides. Cotton covered Fujian style wooden heels with applied white and green thick ribbon. Blue cotton heel wrap with large attached split lavender and deep blue heel lifts. Heavily worn black, quilted cotton soles. 3.5 in. X 2 in. X 2 in.
SV 41
Late 19th C. Interior North West or Southwest Region. Cotton chintz or silk red uppers w/ French knot embroidered water, cloud and bat motifs. High curled toes. Thick floral motif white lace separating the red uppers from thick black silk top line. Blue trim with white stitching running up from bottom of heel to the top of the collar on backside. Quilted cotton flat soles. Red shoes are often associated w/ weddings. 4.5 in. X 3.5 in. X 2 in.
SV 42
Late 19th C. Shandong Provence. Red/peach silk uppers w/ floral embroidery and blue and white ribbon across vamp with “Shou” symbol. Orange lowers separating uppers by thin blue ribbon. Thick white and blue ribbon w/ eternal knot, swastika and floral motif around top line. Black silk around collar. Thick checker ribbon down backside. Quilted cotton soles. 5 in. x 6.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 45
Late 19th C. Shanxi Region. Fifth phase widow’s shoes for third year after funeral. White satin uppers on one side, lime green satin uppers on the other. Ambiguous butterfly or floral motif on lime green sides, blue/white gourd, pear? Or butterfly motif on the white side. High arched heel w/ applied ribbon. Padded white cotton soles. 3 in. x 3.25 in. x 1.5 in.
SV 46
Late 19th C. Somewhere between Shandong and Shanxi regional styles. Red silk uppers w/ monkey and floral motif embroidery and applied patterned ribbon. Thick black floral patterned ribbon around collar. Fish and floral motif embroidered on lowers and heel. Blue and violet heel lifts. Yellow cotton heel lift supports. Padded cotton soles with spiral stitching on heel and pink butterfly stitched into the hollow. Light wear. 4.5 in. x 3 in. x 2 in.
SV 48
Late 19th C. Shanxi Provence. Grey cotton uppers w/ simply embroidered yellow, pink and grey indiscernible Qilin tails? Possibly root vegetables? White uncolored cotton ribbon around collar. Lightly arched short heel. Bamboo ribbed boning around heel support. Worn padded quilted cotton sole. 4 in. x 2.25 in. x 1.75 in.
SV 49
Late 19th C. North East, Shanghai? Liaodong Bay?, Shandong-style. Black silk uppers separated from top by red cotton ribbon with lace around edge. Mid-section orange silk w/ forbidden stitch embroidered floral, bat and auspicious symbol motifs. Blue floral ribbon top line with faded black silk around the collar. Would heel wrapped in uncolored cotton embroidered w/ bat, bird and plant motifs. Arched heel w/ worn, quilted cotton soles. 4.5 in. x 4.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 50
Early 20th C. Taiwan - Fujian style Wedding winter padded boots. Deep blue cotton chintz uppers and ankle covers embroidered in couched gold dragon, cloud, and colorful silk lotus flower, pomegranate motif. Gold lace ribbon around top w/ black trim down the front and back seam. Yellow satin covered wood heel embroidered w/ floral, plum motif. Bright green quilted cotton soles. White and blue binding straps. 5 in. x 8.25 in. x 1.5 in.
SV 51
Late 19th - Early 20th C. Northern-style, White uncolored cotton sackcloth socks w/ blue hand stitched embroidery of lotus and butterfly motifs. Butterfly motif stitched on the back of heel. Excellent condition. To be worn in house or under booties. The butterfly is usually associated with joy and weddings, but as its name (hudie) is a pun for "age seventy to eighty," it is also a symbol for longevity. 6.5 in. x 5.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 52
Late 19th C. Northern-style winter padded boots. Pink and green cotton uppers w/ yellow embroidered bat symbols in the pink. Floral motif, (Peony?) in the green on the toes. Prefabricated red ribbon around ankle. Tall blue cotton ankle and thigh covers embroidered with butterfly and floral motif. Light green ribbon around top line with white trim down the front seam. Thick flat quilted cotton soles w/ minimal but clear damage from insects at some point in the past. 4.5 in. X 7.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 54
Late 19th C. Western Shaoxing or Shanxi Provence? Dark grey linen uppers w/ attached white cloud motif shaped fabric. Rudimentary bat symbols on one side and floral and geometric symbols on the other. Dull red tops around collar w/ folded grey stitched cotton around top. No heel lifts. Shallow round heel with cotton padded sole and cotton padded toe sole. 6.5 in. x 4.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 60
Late 19th C. Shanghai, Chang-Chua. Wedding or special occasion shoes. Red satin uppers with embroidered white, yellow and green floral, vine motif. Lotus flowers on slightly curled toes. Strips of white and turquoise fabric on heel. Red cotton heel lifts and heel lift supports. Red cotton insoles. Low arched wood heel w/white applied cotton. Blue and yellow ribbon trim around edge. Padded cotton soles with worn heels and toes. 3 in. x 3 in. x 1.5 in.
SV 63
Late 19th c. Found in Beijing - Boat shaped Manchurian style. Bright red uppers w/ embroidered butterfly and floral motif. Applied lotus and butterfly motif on toe with purple glass bead and green pom on toe. Ribbon w/ longevity symbol around collar. Raw hemp covered wooden heel w/ quilted cotton soles. Manchurian women did not bind their feet. Shoes of this style are an attempt to create the illusion and the gate of them. 7 in. x 3.5 in. x 3 in.
SV 64
Late 19th c. Shanxi Region, Jin style. Bright yellow silk uppers embroidered w/ floral motif. Purple trim and couched gold thread around neck. Bright blue tops. Cotton covered bamboo ribbed boning in heel. Red quilted cotton soles w/ minimal wear. Jin (晋) refers to early Shanxi culture (starting in the early Paleolithic period up to the early Western Zhou Dynasty) and usually refers to Shanxi traditional art and craft. 4 in. x 3.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 65
Late 19th c. Jiangsu region. Light pink silk uppers w/ colorfully embroidered floral and garden motifs. Three bright blue ribbons around collar w/ green damask insert above the toes. Raw hemp heel lift. Blue trim around the heel. Wooden arched heel covered in prefabricated floral ribbon. Light green quilted cotton soles. The Jiangsu Provence was the center of the Chinese silk and cotton industries. Shoes from this region commonly have apron like tongues and concave heels w/ two part soles. 4 in. x 2.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 67
Late 19th c. Shandong style. Red/Orange uppers with blue/green embroidered floral and butterfly motif on one side and floral and pheasant motif on the other. Prefabricated ribbon surrounding the vamp edges w/ characters and symbols embroidered at the throat or moon gate. Prefabricated patterned ribbon around the collar and top line. Short purple and blue cuffs. Worn raw cotton or hemp wrapped wooden slightly arched heel with padded cotton soles. Minor damage to the cuffs and heels. 5.25 in. x 4 in. x 2 in.
SV 71
MId-Late 19th c. Old Woman Birthday Shoes, She-Shi Provence. Deep blue silk uppers w/ embroidered ribbon w/ bat, lotus, and auspicious symbols. Gold braided thread at bottom. Green trim around arched heel w/ applied ribbon and white cotton sole w/ embroidered gourd symbol? Customs of exchanging shoes with relatives and in-laws are reflected in elaborately decorative patterns, on the sides and on the soles. 5.25 in. x 4.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 72
Late 19th c. Shanxi region. Bright pink silk uppers w/ embroidered green dragon motif on one side and bird and frog motifs on the other. Black and white ribbon trim around moon gate w/ white silk insert at opening. Lightly arched wooden heel wrapped in white cotton w/ applied ribbon on back. White padded cotton sole embroidered with the outline of a lotus flower. Excellent condition, likely made as a gift. 3.5 in. x 3 in. x 1.5 in.
SV 75
Late 19th c. Southeast region or possibly Shanxi. From the color, probably special occasion shoes. Orange silk uppers embroidered w/ lotus flower, rooster, coin, vessels and other various animal motifs. Solid red quarters and heel lift stitched on with loose white hemp laces. Cylindrical wooden heels embroidered with animal and floral motifs. Heavily worn padded raw cotton toe soles. No padding on sole of the heel. 5 in. x 4.5 in x 2 in.
SV 78
Late 19th c. Probably interior Northwest. Light turquoise cotton uppers connected in the back with black cross stitches, embroidered winding branches with floral motif. Black cross stitching around the neck w/ a pink cotton top line w/ black trim. Bright yellow poms on toes. Prefabricated blue and white ribbon and brown and yellow checkered ribbon around sole. Flat light blue quilted cotton sole. Shoes from this region are often called “minority shoes”. They are less complicated in design and and construction. 4.75 in. x 2.25 in. x 2 in.
SV 79
Late 19th c. Shandong style. Black silk vamp embroidered w/ elaborate colorful floral motif. Four embroidered bat symbols on one toe and a single red bat symbol embroidered on the other. Red quarters behind and under the black silk. Prefabricated blue patterned ribbon around top line w/ red trim. Small hemp covered slightly arched wooden heels. Blue worn cotton soles stitched on with white thread. 4.5 in. x 3.75 in. X 2 in.
SV 82
Late 19th c. Distinctively interior southwestern wedding shoes. Red silk uppers embroidered entirely in couched gold tread w/ figurative and animal motifs. Pointed curled toes. Black trim and ribbon around arc of throat inset with contrasting white cotton with black ribbon trim around top line. Oval white cotton heel. Two part padded and quilted cotton soles. 4.75 in. x 2.25 in. x 1.5 in.
SV 87
Late 19th - early 20th c. Southern style. Red uppers w/ simple floral motif embroidery near upturned toes. Green ribbon around top line. Grey quarters hand stitched to vamp becomes large grey / beige heel lift / ankle wrap.heavily worn stacked and padded cotton soles with short cylindrical wood heel covered in prefabricated western style red and green plaid. Two hand forged iron nails in the bottom of each heel. 3.25 in. x 3 in. x 2 in.
SV 89
Late 19th C. Taiwan or Fujian Provence. Hand stitched repair. Red uppers w/ embroidered floral motif at toes. Blue ribbon around throat w/ loose white laces. Blue quarters and heel lift. Blue heels w/ light damage from wear. Flat stacked white cotton soles also heavily worn. At its peak, it is estimated that up to 70 percent of women in Taiwan had their feet bound. Foot-binding was introduced to Taiwan by the occupying army of the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century. 4.25 in. x 4 in. X 2 in.
SV 91
Late 19th c. Shandong oProvence. Turquoise silk uppers w colorful floral motif at toes and lovely red/white lace around vamp. Black and white trim down the front line. White cotton heel lifts and heel lift supports. Arched wooden heel wrapped in white floral ribbon. Two part violet stitched soles with white coin symbols on heel and lotus symbol mid sole. In the Taoist religion the lotus is one of the eight precious things, the symbol of Ho Hsien Ku, patron saint of housewives. 5.75 in. x 2.5 in. x 1.5 in.
SV 92
Late 19th - early 20th c. Shandong Provence. Sleeping slippers. Pink silk uppers w/ embroidered black plum blossom motif. Tiny puffs of blue thread in center of each flower. Black top line w/ cotton heel lift supports. Short wood heel w/ flat short soles. Padded cotton soles finished with pink machine woven patterned silk attached at heel with three iron nails. the color pink is commonly associated w/ femininity. It is typically used in weddings and celebrations to symbolize joy and love. 4.5 in. Sole x 7 in heel to toe x 2.5 in. X 2 in.
SV 95
Late 19th c. Fujian Style, (Near Taiwan), Wedding or special occasion shoes w/ high curled toe. Red silk uppers w/ embroidered animal and floral motifs all around vamp. Decorated ribbon around the edge of the vamp. Red cotton trim around top line. Red quarters and heel lift with red cotton heel lift supports. Grey embroidered lotus symbol on perfume storage area. Worn padded and quilted white cotton soles. 3.5 in. X 3 in. X 1.5 in.
SV 96
Late 19th c. Shandong style hard outer boots. Dark violet silk uppers w/ embroidered bat, butterfly, floral and unknown auspicious objects motifs. Thick decorated pink lace ribbon around collar w/ lime green cuff embroidered on the from w/ yellow eternal knot. Backs of cuff are purposefully split to fit w/ white eternal knot. Pink interior and insole. Arched wood heel covered in white cotton and green trim all around sole. Worn white quilted cotton soles w/ extra padding on toe. 5 in. x 4.5 in. x 2 in.
SV 97
Late 19th c. Shandong style. Blue satin uppers with embroidered re/white butterfly and floral motif. Yellow and red prefabricated ribbon just under the thick black fabric along the top line. Subtle small pink ladder rungs at the top of the moon gate. White stitches down the back side of the heel and around the sole. Slightly arched heel w/ black cotton sole embroidered w/ pink, yellow and white coin, cloud, butterfly lotus and other auspicious symbol motifs. 7 in. x 3.5 in. x 2.5 in.
SV 100
Late 19th c. Shanxi Provence. Shiny blue satin uppers w/ colorfully embroidered floral motif and bamboo ribbed boning around heel. Traditional curled toe. Black, orange and blue trim around throat. Black Jacquard silk cuff w/ black trim at the top line. Stacked white cotton soles w/ quilted padding. The high technical achievements of Han textiles suggest that they are the culmination of a gradual development of silk cultivation and weaving that began in prehistoric times. 5 in. x 4 in. X 2 in.
SV 101
Late 19th C. South China, Ningbo, North East, Zhejiang Provence. Bright purple silk uppers w/ large elaborate lotus motif. Checkered ribbon and bright blue ribbon trim around moon gate w/ immaculate white ladder rungs. Baby blue heel lifts w/ shallow wooden heel wrapped in green satin. Quilted padded white soles with unusual red heel soles with surrounding blue trim. 5 in. X 3 in. X 2 in.
SV 103
Late 19th c. Shandong style hardened outer shoe w/ shattered black silk uppers embroidered w/ bat , carp and floral motifs. Applied ribbon around throat w/ shattered silk cuffs. Black padded cotton soles w/ embroidered colorful lotus symbols and pink poms . Blue cotton tip at toe.Commonly seen w/ silk manufactured in the nineteenth and early twentieth c., shattering is a result of a chemical bond created during the manufacturing process. 6.5 in. x 4.25 in. x 2.5 in.
SV 108
Late 19th - Early 20th p. Northern style pink satin slippers w/ embroidered insect and floral motif. Insect couched in gold thread.pink silk ankle straps attached to quarters. Very slight heel. Leather two part sole attached w/ iron nails. Underside couching was just one evolutionary technique in a progressive path going back nearly 2000 years. Scholars agree that gold work was practiced in Asia by the Eastern Han Dynasty. 6.5 in. X 2 in. X 2.5 in.
SV 110
Late 19th - Early 20th c. White quilted sole socks. Socks were usually made from either silk or white cotton and decorated with simple embroidery. The importance of socks can be seen by the fact that sixteen pairs of socks w/ raised and pointed toes and six pairs of shoes were found in the tomb of Huang Sheng (1227-1243) in Fujian. Madame Zhou (1240-1274) had six pairs of shoes and six pairs of socks in her tomb in Jiangxi. 7 in. x 6 in. x 2.25 in.
SV 116
Late 19th - early 20th c. Possibly Shandong region. Hardened outer daytime booties. Bright pink uppers embroidered plum blossom floral motif. Black ribbon trim around top line, down the toe and heel seams, and around the sole. Worn quilted black cotton soles. Most daytime shoes and boots were composed w/ flat sole or low heeled forms. Over the centuries fashions changed. before the mid-17th century most shoes were flat like these. 6.5 in. x 3 in. x 2.5 in.
SV 117
Early 20th c. Northern style pointy tip house or walking shoes. Blue jacquard silk uppers and quarters w/ white cloud double trim around neck and top line culminating in ankle strap. Double stacked blue cotton quilted soles w/ white stitching and overhanging toes. Shoes from the 1910 – 1930 period often included instep straps, sometimes fastened with buttons at the ankle, following contemporary Western fashions. 5 in. x 2 in. x 2 in.