Chinese Toggle Depicting Shoes

Two dark, deep-mouthed shoes stand side by side with a pinhole near the heel.

This toggle depicting shoes is from China, and dates to the 19th century. It is wood. Because traditional robes had no pockets, small items were hung from the belt, and the toggle kept the cord from slipping through the sash. Closer in, a pair of upright shoe forms with tall sides and round open hollows, one showing a small hole at its base. Faint carved bands run along the sides. The surface is a matte, reddish brown with visible wear at the rims. It is 0.75 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 0.75 high.

Tall in the ankle, short on conversation.