This pair of beaded slippers is embroidered with silk threads, gold threads and sequins on a velvet base. Most of the slipper is done in gold metallic thread couching including the main decorative motif of the ‘Qilin’. The ‘Qilin’ is a mythical hooved Chinese creature that symbolises prosperity and birth of male offspring. The decorative motifs are raised in high relief. To create this effect, thin strips of cardboard are cut out and pasted onto the parts of the outlines intended to be highlighted. The designs are then embroidered with silk, gold or silver threads using the long and short stitch, the alternating stitch or the overlapping stitch. This pair is possibly a pair of wedding slippers worn by the groom on other days of the wedding celebrations. The heavy use of gold threadwork served to identify this category of footwear.
