This pair of unsewn slippers is made with a velvet base of fabric. The main decorative motifs are dragons, flaming pearls and butterflies. These are auspicious symbols in the Chinese culture. The dragon was the symbol of the Emperor and represented protection and fortune. Butterflies were symbols of romance, love and fertility. The decorative motifs here are created using the technique of metallic thread couching. Silver thread is laid onto the surface of the fabric, often over a needle that was later removed or over cardboard forms. The metallic threads are then over stitched with silk threads that are passed through the fabric. This technique is also known as ‘Tekad timbol’ by the Peranakans. These are possibly men’s slippers and the auspicious symbols suggest they were being made for use at wedding ceremonies.
