Chinese Toggle Depicting Shoes

Heavy, ribbed pair with tall straight sides and slot-like 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 narrow shoe forms fused together, their openings long and slim with dark interiors. Parallel ribs run across the toe end and a thick stepped platform supports the whole form. The surface is a deep brown with a soft sheen. It is 0.75 inches wide, 2 deep and 1 high.

Built like a tiny, well-fed bunker.