About a century ago, some Chinese women who lived in old Melaka wore specially designed shoes that were smaller than a regular child's. Despite that, these shoes were not reserved for young children, but for a certain young adult woman of high nobility and prominent status.
This is because, since ancient Chinese times, bound feet have been a widespread cultural phenomenon in certain parts of China, where the beauty of a woman lies in their small, delicate feet. Thus, the smaller they were, the more aesthetically pleasing and exquisite they looked in the eyes of traditional wealthy men!
The art of foot binding, otherwise known as lotus feet, is a symbolic practice of beauty among upper-class Chinese females during the old days. However, it also attracts widespread controversy among many others due to the unspeakable oppression that this barbaric practice inflicts on the female wearer.
According to Chinese legend, the practice of foot binding apparently began when a 10th-century erotic female dancer bound her feet in silk to dance in the shape of a crescent moon in front of the Emperor. And the rest, as they say, is history!
In old China, girls from wealthy families typically began foot binding between the ages of 4 and 9. This foot-binding process is excruciatingly painful to endure and also incredibly heartbreaking to watch from start to end. First, the feet were soaked in warm water or animal blood. Second, toenails were trimmed to avoid infection. Third, the smaller toes were broken and bent underneath the sole. Fourth, the arch was forcefully broken to fold the foot into a 3 to 4-inch lotus shape. Last but not least, the foot was tightly wrapped in cloth and rebound regularly to maintain its shape. For those unaware, the ideal lotus foot shape can be as small as 3 inches long, thus nicknamed the "golden lotus." Other least ideal ones were the "silver lotuses," measuring at 4 inches long, and the "iron lotuses" at 5 inches.
Although the controversial lotus feet were once considered to be a clear sign of the lady's ongoing wealth and prominent status, some prospective male suitors also considered bound feet to be bizarrely exotic and sensual as well. Due to that, the wealthy male side would be more likely to offer their hand in marriage and give a much higher dowry to the beautiful, fair maiden who has the tiniest deformed feet among the other bound-foot ladies. Talk about weird feet fetishes!
On the contrary, foot binding has resulted in numerous social and health impacts on the female wearer. One of the most significant ones includes lifelong disability with chronic pain, infections, and gangrene. In addition, the foot-bound individual would be subjected to much limited mobility and have grotesque foot deformities that make them fully dependent on others for the rest of their miserable life.
During the early 20th century, the cultural revolution in China led by Dr Sun Yat Sen kick-started the abolishment of foot binding. However, it was only in 1949 that the Chinese Communist government enforced the ban more strictly, thus finally ending the practice of foot binding once and for all.
However, some noble Chinese women with lotus feet from China escaped to Nanyang to seek greener pastures and continued wearing these controversial tiny shoes for many years until the end of their remaining lives.
Although many bound-foot women from the past who lived in Malacca have already passed away due to old age, the aging but still hardworking Yeo brothers trio here at Wah Aik Shoemakers in Heeren Street, Melaka, were the last of their kind to make these legendary lotus feet shoes and Nyonya beaded shoes. But today in the modern technology world, these shoes are sold mainly to tourists for decoration and souvenir purposes.
There, you can also view the entire collection of original lotus feet shoes that their late shoemaker grandfather used to make about a century ago, now stored preciously behind its thick glass panels for curious visitors to marvel at. Alternatively, you can also admire the numerous rare vintage photos of ladies with lotus feet from the bygone era, or order a pair of beautiful custom-made beaded Nyonya shoes from Wah Aik for yourself or a loved one before the brothers all retire for good and leave this treasured legacy behind forever.
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Lim Su Yee (michellelimsuyee@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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