Pair Of Manchu Shoes With High Soles – China, Circa 1900

A remarkable pair of Manchu women’s high-soled shoes, known as qixie (旗鞋), characteristic of China during the late Qing Dynasty and the early 20th century.

The shoes are made of light-colored fabric, entirely decorated with elegant black embroidery forming scrollwork and stylized plant motifs, accented at the top by a geometric frieze featuring Greek motifs. Small red fabric ties add a touch of color to the particularly graphic design.

Each shoe rests on a tall central pedestal, likely made of wood, entirely covered in light-colored canvas. This highly distinctive construction is characteristic of the shoes worn by Manchu women during the Qing Dynasty. It notably distinguishes them from the traditional Japanese shoes associated with maiko.

The undersides of both pedestals bear an old inscription of three Chinese characters painted in black, now partially erased.

A beautiful ethnographic and decorative object, preserved as a pair, showing signs of age consistent with its use and era.

China, late Qing Dynasty–early Republic of China, circa 1890–1920.

Dimensions:
Length: 21 cm
Height: 12.5 cm
Maximum width of the base: 11 cm

In good overall condition considering its age, with visible signs of use and wear, particularly on the soles.