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Bound foot, China, circa 1880s
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Bound foot, China, circa 1880s
Bound foot, China, circa 1880s. Date: circa 1880s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14350570
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
EDITORS COMMENTS
This hauntingly beautiful image captures the painful reality of the ancient Chinese foot binding practice, which reached its peak in popularity during the late 19th century. Foot binding was a cultural tradition that involved wrapping and binding the feet of young girls to prevent their growth, resulting in small, delicate-looking feet. The practice was considered a symbol of feminine beauty and eligibility for marriage in Chinese society. The photograph, taken circa 1880s, shows the bound feet of an unidentified Chinese woman. Her feet are tightly wrapped in layers of cloth and bound with thick bands, leaving them small and vulnerable. The intricate binding technique is evident in the intricate patterns and folds of the fabric, which have been carefully arranged to maintain the shape of the feet. Despite the aesthetic appeal of the bound feet, the practice was a source of immense pain and suffering for women. The binding process began when girls were as young as five years old and continued until their feet reached the desired size. The constant binding caused the feet to become deformed, leading to a range of health problems, including bunions, calluses, and infections. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices women made in the name of beauty and societal norms. Foot binding was not abolished in China until the late 20th century, and its legacy continues to be felt in contemporary Chinese culture. Today, the practice is widely condemned as a violation of human rights, and efforts are being made to raise awareness and prevent its recurrence.
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