This is pair of “Kasut Manek”, the literal meaning being “beaded shoes”. As the piece comes with low heels, it is also known as “Kasut Tumit”. The slipper face is covered with bead embroidery or threading. This is a technique where coloured seed beads are stitched onto a base fabric using needle and thread. More specifically, petit point beadwork is used here. The needle worker uses coloured beads to stitch out patterns drawn onto square paper. Such bead embroidery was usually done on velvet or plain weave cotton and required the use of a frame or ‘pidangan’. Seed beads of various shape and size are used here. The decorative motifs on this piece include bright red flower petals with contrasting black stalks. This is set against a lime green background consisting of geometric patterns. These slippers were traditionally worn with the “sarong kebaya” (blouse and skirt cloth) or the “baju panjang” (long tunic).
