Lotus Shoes And Foot Binding

Lotus shoes are one of the oldest types of footwear known to mankind that were designed specifically for women's use. However, the production of these shoes today is virtually non-existent and the few lotus shoes still in existence are now preserved in museums or private collections similar to antiques and artifacts. Although these shoes were designed for women of all ages, any single woman today that is past the age of 10 would definitely find it impossible to wear these shoes. This is because this form of footwear that originated from ancient China was designed for women back when foot binding was still practiced custom shoe manufacturers. For those unfamiliar with the process, foot binding literally means the binding of the foot with wraps. The significance of this practice is such that it is practiced by women between the ages of two and five.

The process would almost certainly be viewed as a brutal act of vanity as it involved the act of purposely breaking (not fracturing) the arch and toes of each foot before being bound. Furthermore, this process was carried out without any form of pain relief. The purpose of this practice was such that the people at the time believed that narrow and small feet were considered to be beautiful as well as making the victim's movements more feminine. Many myths surround the origin of the process of foot binding and lotus shoe. One of the most prominent of these myths revolved around the 10th Century period, when Prince Li Yu who ruled over the 10 kingdoms. He had a concubine in his harem who had extremely petite feet and was a superb dancer who sported one of the oldest versions of the lotus shoe.

The foot binding practice then began amongst the women of upper classes and royalty in order to imitate his concubine. As such, foot binding was strongly linked with wealth and status during that period. The following centuries saw to the widespread of the practice throughout China. The practice became such that women who did not have small feet were simply not marriage material. At the time, this was the worst possible fate for a Chinese woman. The process aside however, the lotus shoe is a sight to behold and the modern world would probably be taken back with the extensive injuries it actually inflicts on the foot. Of course, when the foot binding began to be practiced by the masses, varieties came along.

Originally, this delicately crafted footwear were made with cotton and silk fabrics though there is evidence of variations made using other materials such as animal skin. Other variations often had special features such heels and even soles that resemble that of the modern wedge shoes. However, the most distinguishing feature of the lotus shoe involves the intricate designs and patterns found in all of them. Apart from that, many of these shoes were embroidered with intricate designs featuring animal and flower motifs along with patterns. This is especially when you look at the rare and expensive shoes made from the finest materials that adorned the feet of those in positions of power.