Cantonese Opera Shoes
Item number 2701/6 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
A pair of flat-soled shoes made of white fabric heavily decorated with silver sequins. There is an image of a butterfly or moth made of sequins and edged with white fur over the toes.
History Of Use
Flat-soled shoes of this configuration and with this kind of decoration were worn by female actors representing young women of ordinary rank. 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.
Iconographic Meaning
The relative simplicity of the decoration indicates that the character is of ordinary rank.
Cultural Context
Cantonese Opera Performance
Item History
- Made in Hong Kong, China during 1965
- Collected in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Ngai Lum Musical Society before April 21, 2008
- Received from Ngai Lum Musical Society (Donor) on April 21, 2008
What
- Name
- Cantonese Opera Shoes
- Identification Number
- 2701/6 a-b
- Type of Item
- shoe
- Material
- synthetic fibre ?, leather skin, plastic, cotton fibre and animal hair
- Manufacturing Technique
- cut and sewn
- Part A
- height 6.5 cm, width 9.5 cm, depth 23.5 cm
- Part B
- height 5.5 cm, width 9.5 cm, depth 24.0 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Hong Kong, China
- Collected in
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Who
- Culture
- Chinese: Cantonese
- Previous Owner
- Ngai Lum Musical Society
- Received from
- Ngai Lum Musical Society (Donor)
When
- Creation Date
- during 1965
- Ownership Date
- before April 21, 2008
- Acquisition Date
- on April 21, 2008
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2701/0006 a-b
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