This pair of wedding shoes is embroidered in gold threads against a maroon background and is meant to be worn by the Peranakan Chinese bride on her wedding day. It is decorated with auspicious symbols and conveys wishes for a blissful marriage, successful progeny and good fortune. Accompanying the shoes is a pair of original shoe cushion, used to maintain the shoes’ shapes. Shoes like these may have been rented out by Sang Khek Umms to brides who did not wish to buy the wedding accoutrements. These shoes belonged to Wee Bee Neo, a prominent Sang Khek Umm or mistress of wedding ceremonies. As a wedding specialist, she was in charge of the bride’s hair and jewellery, and guiding the young lady through the proper rituals.
