Slippers

This pair of beaded slippers is embroidered using silk threads, gold threads and sequins on a velvet base. The decorative motifs are done largely in gold metallic thread couching. The motifs are raised in high relief and 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. The main decorative motif on this piece is a deer, which symbolises longevity. This pair is possibly a pair of wedding slippers worn by the groom on the other days of the wedding celebrations. The heavy use of gold thread work served to identify this category of footwear.