Artwork Page for Boot

Details / Information for Boot

Boot

907–1125

Northern China, Liao dynasty

(907-1125)
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Medium
Silk: tapestry weave; two kinds of metal threads
Measurements
Overall: 47.5 x 30.8 cm (18 11/16 x 12 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1993.158.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The once lavish use of gold and the Chinese-inspired phoenix motif suggest that the boots were made for a member of the Liao imperial family, probably a woman.

Description

The kesi outer fabric of the boots is woven with pairs of phoenixes chasing a flaming pearl among clouds. The sections were carefully cut so that the flaming pearl occurs at the centers of the shin and calf, and at the top of the instep. To accommodate the particular cut and smaller area of the instep, the phoenixes were depicted slightly differently and the design was reduced in scale. The wide cut of the top of the boots enabled pants to be tucked inside. Skirts, jackets, robes, gloves, and a hat would have completed the outfit. Liao kesi is distinguished by its exceptional refinement. Considered a national specialty, it was used extensively for both clothing and furnishings. Not only were kesi robes worn by the Liao emperor, but they were sent to the Song emperor as imperial gifts.

Boot

907–1125

Northern China, Liao dynasty (907-1125)

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