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Costumes of women of Kiangnan province and footbinding
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Costumes of women of Kiangnan province and footbinding
Costumes of women in silk robes and fur hats of Liu-ching, Kiangnan province, and footbinding shoes and deformed feet. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Andrea Bernieri from Giulio Ferrrarios Costumes Antique and Modern of All Peoples (Il Costume Antico e Moderno di Tutti i Popoli), Florence, 1842
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Media ID 23172958
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Andrea Anthropology Antique Bernieri Deformed Feet Ferrrario Giulio Manners Nation Peoples Robes Satin Shoes Footbinding
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This hand-colored copperplate engraving, created by Andrea Bernieri for Giulio Ferrrario's "Costumes Antique and Modern of All Peoples" published in Florence in 1842, offers a glimpse into the traditional costumes and the controversial practice of footbinding among women in the Kiangnan province of China. The image showcases elegantly dressed women wearing silk robes and fur hats, known as Liu-ching, which were popular in the region during the Qing Dynasty. The robes, made of rich satin fabric, are adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, reflecting the women's affluence and social status. The women in this engraving also wear footbinding shoes, a painful custom that involved binding the feet of young girls to achieve a small, delicate foot shape. The deformed feet, visible in the image, were considered a symbol of feminine beauty and elegance in Chinese culture. The practice, which began in the 10th century and continued until the 20th century, was both a sign of social prestige and a source of suffering for millions of women. This engraving is an essential anthropological record of the customs and manners of a specific race, tribe, or nation, providing valuable insights into the history and culture of the Kiangnan province during the 19th century. The intricate details and lifelike representation in the image are a testament to Bernieri's skill as an engraver and Ferrrario's dedication to documenting the diverse costumes of the world. This image not only showcases the beauty of Chinese traditional attire but also raises awareness of the complex and controversial aspects of Chinese culture during this period.
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