Evening slippers 1855 - 1865

These evening slippers were made by the Hing Sheng Boot and Shoe Maker, probably for export to the West. Made of silk satin, these slippers probably started with an existing shoe form, which would then be covered in the delicate fabric. Look closely, and you’ll notice the embellishment, made of multiple layers of lace, carefully gathered and sewn to the upper surface of the shoe. The low heel is also covered in satin. What’s fascinating about this kind of footwear is the labor involved, and its social context. The slippers were not built for hard wear; they were objects of pure luxury. It speaks to the vast global economy, the intense amount of handwork still required in the making of such a thing, and the way that the materials were prized for their delicacy, femininity, and grace. Consider how these objects challenge our assumptions about what counts as art, craft, and design.