Title
Embroidered Slippers
Year/Period
Early 20th century
Region
Straits Settlements
Object Type
Technique
Dimension
Unknown Type: Please refer to parts
Accession No.
2005-01426
Collection of
This pair of beaded slippers is embroidered with silk threads, gold threads and sequins on a velvet base. The main decorative feature seems to be a mix between the ‘Qilin’ and the phoenix, both auspicious symbols in the Chinese culture. The ‘Qilin’ is a hoofed Chinese creature that symbolises prosperity and the birth of male offspring. The phoenix represents high virture. The rest of the slipper top is filled with gold metallic thread couching that produces a raised effect. This pair is possibly a pair of wedding slippers worn on other days of the wedding celebrations. The heavy use of gold threadwork served to identify this category of footwear.
