Chinese Toggle Depicting Shoes

Squat, dark little pair with a small round knob between the openings.

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. Two stubby shoe forms on a small stepped base, each with a shallow hollow on top. A tiny round nub sits behind the first opening. The finish is a dark chocolate brown, smooth and slightly dusty. It is 1.25 inches wide, 1.75 deep and 1 high.

Pocket-sized and perfectly content to stay put.