This pair of antique Chinese child's infant red silk tiger shoes date from the 1940s. They are made of a red silk fabric with hand stitched colorful raised padded satin stitch embroidery work creating tiger faces with whiskers on the fronts. The tiger is one of the most predominant symbols on hats and shoes. It's ferocious powers make it an especially popular protective image. The tiger is used to frighten off evil spirits and to help a toddler learn how to walk. Auspicious symbols were used to decorate the hats and shoes for children in an attempt to ward off high mortality rates. These precious little long bootie style shoes would have been worn up the leg for added warmth, and are fully lined in a calico print cotton fabric. The shoes measure 3 inches long, and 5 inches tall. They are in excellent condition, with only a few small black stains on the bottom soles. The shoes are a beautiful piece of antique Chinese textile art, and would make for a wonderful display piece.
Item number z1549

$100