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Chinese woman with bound feet
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Chinese woman with bound feet
Chinese woman with bound feet. Date: circa 1890
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14137382
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
Bind Binding Bound Feet Foot Mutilation Painful Severe Technique
EDITORS COMMENTS
This hauntingly beautiful image captures the poignant story of a Chinese woman from the late 1800s, a time when the practice of foot binding was prevalent in Chinese society. Foot binding was a painful and severe custom that involved wrapping and binding the feet of young girls to prevent their growth, resulting in small, delicate-looking feet. This technique was considered a symbol of beauty and elegance, and was believed to make women more attractive to men. The woman in this photograph is seated on a white, ornate chair, her bound feet tucked under her, her face expressionless but for a hint of sadness in her eyes. Her traditional Chinese costume, with its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, contrasts sharply with the severe binding that restricts her feet. The pain and suffering endured to achieve this fashion statement are evident in the contorted position of her toes and the creases on her soles. Foot binding was a deeply ingrained tradition in Chinese culture, passed down from generation to generation. It was not until the early 20th century that the practice began to decline, as China underwent modernization and Western influence. Today, foot binding is widely condemned as a form of mutilation, and is a reminder of the painful price that was once paid for beauty and fashion. This photograph is a poignant reminder of a time and a practice that are now relegated to history. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of human culture and the often painful sacrifices that have been made in the name of beauty and tradition.
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