Vintage Chinese bound foot shoe. Wai Aik, Malacca.

A decorative bound foot shoe.  Shoes made from this size pattern were worn by Chinese women between the 10th and 20th Centuries.  Girls' feet bones were broken at a young age and the feet were then bound with cloth to stunt their growth.  Bound feet were regarded as a symbol of status.  The practice was a painful process and ensured that women remained subjugated within the patriarchy.  This example was made by the Wai Aik workshop in Malacca as a mid-century souvenir/decorative piece.  Constructed using an original Chinese pattern/mould from the 19th Century.  Blue, gold and red brocade. Leather sole printed with the Wai Aik company details.  Approximately 13cm long x 5cm wide x 7cm tall.  Free postage within NZ.  Postage available for NZ addresses only.