A Shoe the Size of an iPhone
In 1243, archaeologists uncovered a tomb in China containing a pair of tiny embroidered shoes. Mistaken for doll accessories, they were actually real “lotus shoes” worn by Lady Huang Sheng, who lived during the Song dynasty.
This moment—of unknowingly holding footwear meant for crushed feet—vividly illustrates a practice that affected millions of Chinese women over centuries. Foot-binding, believed to have begun in the 10th century, was deeply tied to beauty, social status, and evolving cultural ideals.
How Foot-Binding Was Done
The binding process typically began when a girl was five or six. Her feet were soaked, and all toes except the big toes were broken and folded beneath the sole. The arch was then forcibly bent to create a crescent shape. Long silk bindings wrapped around the feet tightly, holding the bones in place.
This was repeated over years, making the feet smaller and narrower. Infection was common. Some families inserted glass or tiles into the bindings to promote rot and tighten the feet further. In extreme cases, toes fell off or were intentionally removed. Estimates suggest as many as 10% of girls may have died from infection or related complications.
Desirability and Restriction
“golden lotus.” Women with four- or five-inch feet had “silver” or “iron” lotuses, considered less desirable for marriage. Bound feet caused a gait that swayed and limited movement, considered erotic and elegant by some.
They also ensured dependence on family, as women with bound feet struggled to walk unaided. Foot-binding was rarely questioned publicly before the 19th century, though private writings and poetry by educated men often hinted at its erotic appeal.
Resistance, Decline, and End
While Neo-Confucian teachings stressed female obedience and chastity, foot-binding was not universally embraced. Some Confucian families openly rejected it. The feminist writer Qiu Jin, who unbound her own feet, called for women’s education and independence.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, missionaries and reformers began speaking against the practice, leading to a gradual decline. Mechanization of labor and changing political views also played a role. By the mid-20th century, it had virtually disappeared. The last known lotus shoe factory closed in 1999.
In a Chinese tomb from 1243, archaeologists found tiny embroidered shoes once thought to be for dolls.
They belonged to Lady Huang Sheng, a woman whose feet had been crushed to fit them.
These “lotus shoes” tell the story of a practice that lasted a thousand years…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/Twccy9mAF8
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) July 9, 2025