Pair of beaded slippers

Title
Pair of beaded slippers
Year/Period
2nd half of 19th century
Region
Indonesia
Object Type
Accession No.
2012-00211
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kip Lee

Kasut manek (beaded slippers) were worn by Peranakan women in Penang, Malacca, Singapore, Indonesia, and southern Thailand and Myanmar. It is generally believed that kasut manek developed in the 1920s to replace an embroidered version. Kasut manek were purchased or sewn by the bride’s family for use during the wedding. Decorative slipper faces were sewn with beads before being sent to Chinese shoemakers to be made into slippers.