Chinese Toggle Depicting Shoes

Neat pair of laced boots in miniature, complete with a stitched tongue.

This toggle depicting shoes is from China, and dates to the 19th century. It is wood. Chinese decorative arts often use objects and their names as symbols, and a shoe or slipper is sometimes read as a pun on wishes for harmony. Joined as two small ankle boots standing together, with carved lines suggesting seams, a rounded toe cap and a heel. The top openings are recessed and slightly darker. The reddish brown surface is smooth and lightly polished.

Well-heeled, if the scale is overlooked.