CHINESE LADY’S SHOES FOR BOUND FEET (FOOT BINDING), 19th-EARLY 20th CENTURY

19th-early 20th century. Just 5 1/8” length heel to toe, which is about the width of a man's shoe! Beautifully made with embroidered silk and delicate fringe decoration on red stiffened fabric body. Superior needle work even for these. Stepped contrasting soles meant to be viewed as the lady reclined. Very minor distortion and just a little wear to the fringe as the owner was unable to walk and they were worn when seated in the belief that being incapacitated as such, indicating the owner's superiority by dedication to idleness. Real show stoppers!