China Minature Shoe Collection Comments. Thousands of years ago shoes have been found in Egyptian tombs made from pottery. Earlier in the 17th Century, skilled craftsmen created miniature shoes too. In the United Kingdom, the manufacturer Spode produced shoes that could be used as desk inkwells.
China, Porcelain and Pottery China Miniature Shoes, & Boots have now become more collectable than ever
Modern-day China Miniature Shoe collectors seek mainly 19th and 20th Century pieces.
In the 20th Century, traditions evolved and many became symbols of wealth. They were given as gifts and tokens for keepsakes. Small boots were displayed at weddings and hung on the back of the bride and grooms car. Cake decorations became popular for the receptions. Shoes and Boots were used as centre displays for the dinner table, making attractive useful vases for flowers.
Jewellery for ladies became popular with miniature shoe designs.
China Miniature Shoes have been made throughout the world. Japan, China, and European countries were prolific. Germany and France have been particularly strong in this field. American boots and shoes were of stunning designs made individually for each American state, depicting the culture of the regions.
Dutch clogs from Delft were famous and were decorated in blue and white glazes. This shoe has slightly upturned toes and could be Dutch or French. The white flower is intact but one of the leaves on the other side of the shoe has partly come away.
Many of the above countries also produced glass shoes coloured in beautiful greens, white, yellow, deep blues, and even reds. Some of these could be used to hold perfumes.
Another type irresistible design in our China miniature shoe Collection was made from perspex and plastic.
It would be extremely difficult to acquire China shoes from all of the worlds manufacturer’s, due to it being necessary to have such a large storage area. However, perhaps the internet is an easy source.
It is extremely satisfying to find one yourself in a local street market (Vide Grenier) and it is a complete surprise every time they appear un-expectantly, especially when they are found amongst every other household implement under the sun, or other collections sold by this way. This small boot has a different view on either side and is very well decorated.
My small collection has grown slowly, directly from my surroundings in France.
Here are my notes and some photo’s on this:-
This China Miniature shoes archive/collection came from being enchanted by one particular little shoe at a local street market sale in the Dordogne France, one summer day.
Some amazing ones are shown here the sizes are all quite different and some are hand painted with flowers, leaves, birds, and patterns.
This pursuit can become addictive and if so, a display cabinet is a must, or they will stay unwrapped in boxes unseen.
Many unusual shoes were made by a company who unfortunately now does not exist. Each shoe originally had it’s own shoebox and was named and designed to suit the shoe exactly.
This is the Company, should you see them:- ‘Just the Right Shoe’
More shoes that have been created in France originating in Limoges and individually signed. Although some shoes are not marked, they are equally attractive to the eye and cannot be resisted. It may be the shoe design, or just is a unique record of the complete overall effect, which makes it worth adding to a collection. This little white boot painted with blue flowers is signed Limoges.
Examples of Limoges miniature boots.
Here are the famous red high-heeled shoes designed by Christian Dior, copied to perfection.
From the 1920s – 1960s a staggering number of shoes are still available to buy. More modern flat shoes can be found, sandals, trainers, ballet pumps, and casuals – examples are here:- An animal child’s Trainer.
A sweet American cowboy boot was found, painted to resemble leather, with red patterns on the leg:-
Occasionally I have found a matching pair, but usually, only one shoe is available. Once I did found a tiny shoe with doves on the front, upon arriving home and when it was put into my collection, I found that I already had two other duplicate designs, but one was bigger in size! These may be Dutch.
Another memorable find here – a large pair of high-heeled shoes with black tiger stripes all over them. I am not sure what these would have been used for – maybe for publicity purposes!
Exquisite examples from our China Minature Shoe Collection
Two very different styles here:- difficult to say which one is my favourite, both are so unique and very French! One has exquisite hand painting with curled up toes, and the other one has a very detailed flying fairy in the shoe complete with fairy wings of gossamer. She is truly magical and has her arms outstretched. I think she is also making a wish! Both of these examples are hand painted and in excellent condition.
China Miniature Shoes 2017 © .