This is a pair of unsewn slipper faces, with an outline of the final design comprising of a central bird motif surrounded by insects and sea creatures in checked boxes. These were fertility symbols associated with the Peranakan Chinese wedding. One row of coloured felt is also stiched onto the cloth. The motifs are raised in high relief and to create this effect, thin strips of cardboard are pasted on the parts of the outline to be highlighted. The motifs are then embroidered to create the slipper faces. The slipper faces would have been sent to Chinese shoemakers to be cut out from the frame and made into the final product. Such slippers were originally part of the wedding items purchased or sewn by the bride’s family for use in her wedding, but these were later worn on other occasions as well.This object belonged to Wee Bee Neo, a prominent Sang Khek Umm or mistress of wedding ceremonies. As a wedding specialist, she was in charge of the bride’s hair and jewellery, and guiding the young lady through the proper rituals.
