Authentic Pair of Chinese Silk Embroidered Lotus Shoes – Late Qing Dynasty (c. 1900) Description: An authentic and beautifully crafted pair of antique Chinese silk embroidered lotus shoes (lianlü), dating back to the late Qing Dynasty (late 19th to early 20th century). These historical shoes were handmade for a woman with bound feet, a traditional custom practiced in inland China.This specific pair features the characteristic raised, white-cloth-covered wooden platform heels, typical of the more conservative northern inland provinces (such as Shanxi). The vamps are made of fine dark silk, elaborately decorated with hand-embroidered peony blossoms (mudanhua) using the traditional couching technique with fine metallic/gilt threads. The sides feature a geometric Jin-style triangular stitched pattern in oker/gold thread.The soles are constructed in the traditional manner: dense layers of hand-woven white cotton, heavily quilted with a diamond pattern, stiffened using organic rice starch which has hardened over the past century. Note on preservation: The shoes are currently stuffed with local Chinese newspaper remnants dated 2006. This was added by a previous owner or dealer to preserve the fragile, pointed shape of the toes and prevent creasing of the silk. Details & ConditionPeriod: Late Qing Dynasty (c. 1890–1910) Origin: Inland China (Northern provinces / Shanxi region) Material: Natural silk, hand-woven cotton, metallic thread, wooden heel core Technique: 100% hand-stitched, hand-embroidered, quilted soles Condition: Very good antique condition. Beautiful, authentic patina with minor age-related wear to the silk fibers and slight oxidation stains on the piping, consistent with a genuine age of over 100 years. Structure is completely solid and intact