Blue shoe with heel and pointed toe. Black and blue "V" -shape sewn on the front with embroidered flowers underneath.;The practice of binding women's feet was widespread throughout China, and occurred among all class and social divisions except in a few minority groups. The process began at a very early age; mothers traditionally insisted that their daughters' feet be bound, as the practice was widely seen as a requirement by prospective suitors. Foot binding was outlawed at the beginning of the Republic period (1912-1949), but continued into the 1920s. The last shoe-producing factory did not close until 2001. Consequently, one cannot assume shoes for bound feet date to the early 20th century or earlier.
