The upper on this shoe was likely made in India. However, the silhouette of the shoe, including the pointed toe and low heel, is European in style. Fashion, textiles, and crafts from India were enormously popular in the West in the late 18th century and throughout the 19th century; a time when there was growing colonial violence in the subcontinent. The shoes feature hallmarks of classic Indian embellishment including glittering beetle wings and silver wrapped thread embroidery. In addition, this pair features small flowers made of green and white glass beads. 

Date of production: 1790 – 1800

Place of design: India, England

Size: 9 x 24.5 x 6.5

Leather, cotton, glass, beetle wings, silk, silver, gold

Museum: Bata Shoe Museum