Title
Shoebox (Tan Cheng Huat shop)
Year/Period
Mid 20th century
Region
Singapore
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 10.3 x 13 x 25.8 cm
Accession No.
2014-00532
Collection of
The label on this shoebox indicates that it contained beaded slippers of the kind worn by Peranakan ladies in the mid 20th century. The label also includes the specific address (“Tan Cheng Huat” shop on Arab street) and the goods sold in this shop. Arab Street was a place where many Peranakan ladies bought the latest fashions including sarong kebaya and beaded slippers. It is commonly assumed that nyonyas made their own beaded slippers, but this shoebox indicates that in reality, many slippers were purchased from commercial shops.
