10 kleine Schuhfiguren aus der Qing-Dynastie

10 kleine Schuhfiguren aus der Qing-Dynastie
10 small shoe figurines from the Qing dynasty
China, 20th century. Probably silver, 10 pieces, including 4 pairs and 2 single pieces. L. approx. 20 mm - 30 mm. 31,59 g. Signs of age and wear. Some shoes are in the style of the foot binding culture: In ancient times, women generally began to bind their feet at the age of 4. Only after reaching adulthood, when the bones had taken their final shape, could the bindings be removed. However, there were also women who had their feet bound for the rest of their lives. The custom was associated with beauty and status, but was eventually abolished in the 20th century.