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Iconographic Meaning

The dense use of sequins and the dragon indicate that the character represented is of high rank, as do the dragon and pearl, and the striped pattern.

Cultural Context

Cantonese Opera Performance

History Of Use

Boots with high soles were and are used in Cantonese opera to represent men of high status in both civil and military roles. The extent of decoration indicates the status of the character. During the years 1900-1930, Cantonese opera costumes were decorated with silver-plated brass discs and then with round mirrors, together with gold and silver thread. Sequins made of gelatin were first used on Cantonese opera costumes in the 1930s. Heavily-sequined costumes were popular in the 1950s-60s, with the sequins then being made of plastic. Sequins have continued to come and go in popularity since that time. These boots are in Ming Dynasty style.

Description

A pair of boots high enough to cover the wearer’s calf, with very thick white soles curved upwards at the front. They are solidly covered with sequins that have been sewn onto the surface cloth. The foot is demarcated from the calf with red piping, and there are vertical lines of piping at the front at back. The sequins are patterned in radiating stripes on the foot portion of the boots, while above the piping there is a dragon curling towards the bottom of the boot and then facing upwards towards a red disc. The sequins are multi-coloured against a background of rich blue-green.