7/20/10

antique chinese shoes

well these were my finds in the store that i visited on my last morning in portland. the soles of these antique handmade chinese shoes have thick twine stitching that make a beautiful all over pattern on the insides and undersides. it had to have been tough to have worked the stitches through the thick layer of cloth... the embroidery is exquisite on the uppers, and so is the color. i love the blend of rough and sophisticated touches... just makes my heart squeeze. i keep imagining these shoes walking across the floor-- the clothes and surroundings begin to take shape....

7 comments:

  1. I think these could be hung on the wall. How come they don't make shoes like these today?

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  2. yes! the wall is a perfect place for these-- and that is the question isn't it-- why doesn't anyone? they would be hot ticket items... at least for you and i! i did find some amazing handmade soft leather shoes in seattle that looked buttery and sculptural -much like early 16th century shoes-- only much too pricey for my budget. i was drooling-- and we passed by the shop 4 times on our way back and fourth-- it was torture...the good kind though.

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  3. Those are very very pretty ! Dream away shoes !

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  4. these are wonderful! I like to see the wear too. Are they tiny?

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  5. Yes, these shoes are wonderful, as are the photos; they speak of so much history, so many stories..; re: the "Seattle " buttery "drool" shoes, let me know if you want another eye cast at them some time!!

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  6. I want these shoes!!!!! sigh...how beautiful! xo Cait

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  7. well it's certain that if they made these shoes available for women to buy we would all be the first very happy customers...! thanks for stopping in zsazsazsu, betsy, ginny and cait! XO

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