Chinese Foot-Binding

Chinese Foot-Binding

Foot-binding was a traditional practice that originated among court dancers and high society women in China, during the 10th century.  By the 12^th century it was a widespread practice.  In 1835 an estimated five to eight women out of every ten in China (it depended on regional variations in the tradition) had bound feet.  It eventually spread through all social classes and while it was outlawed in 1912, it continued in some rural areas for years afterwards. 

The museum has around 14 pairs of Chinese Lily shoes associated with foot binding.  They typically have wedge heels, pointed upturned toes which extend beyond the sole and stiffened ankle. The embroidered uppers of the shoes have been beautifully crafted in silk and metallic threads, with embellishments – usually gold braid, beading and sequins. 

The foot-binding practice involved ‘moulding’ the feet of a young girl, who was usually aged between 3 and 11 years.  This artificially restricted foot growth and was achieved by breaking the bones of the feet and manipulating the toes under the arch. The feet were then bound and repeatedly squeezed in to tighter and smaller bindings and shoes over time.

In the collection we have a historic plaster model of a pair of bound feet from the Chinese tradition, with the big toe pointing down and the other toes curled under (including lower shin). The left foot is bound with textile strips.  Bending the four small toes under towards the sole and pulling them and the heel tightly together. The big toe was left unbound. The bandages were renewed and tightened frequently until the foot became deformed with dislocated and broken bones.  Sometimes one or more toes could be lost. The pain lasted, it was said, for a year, and then lessened until after two years, the feet were numb.

This painful practice was associated with beauty, status and marriage eligibility. Having tiny feet was considered sexually attractive, emphasising a masculine Chinese view at that time of a woman’s inferiority and weakness. The ideal length of the foot – the “golden lotus” was three inches!