In the Qing Dynasty, flowerpot shoes, also known as "flag shoes" and "horseshoe shoes", were exclusive to Manchu women. The soles of flowerpot shoes are all made of wood, about 5- 15 cm high, thin at the top and wide at the bottom, flat at the front and round at the back, which makes walking very inconvenient. The Qing Dynasty put a lot of effort into flowerpot shoes. In addition to the unique soles, these shoes are usually decorated with exquisite embroidery patterns and sometimes with beads, which look like a work of art. ..
However, the application of flowerpot shoes is limited to aristocratic young women over 13 and 14 years old. With the increase of age, the height of the sole gradually decreases until it becomes flat shoes. The reason why flowerpot shoes were so popular in Qing Dynasty was actually related to the long history of foot-binding culture. According to records, from about the Tang Dynasty, China people advocated little feet; During the Five Dynasties, there was a bad habit of foot-binding, which devastated women. In the Song Dynasty, foot-binding was prevalent and women were miserable. Finally, in the Qing Dynasty, women used to bind their feet, and it was a big sin not to bind their feet.
Regarding the source of flowerpot shoes, there are the following statements. First, Manchu women were affected by the humid climate in Changbai Mountain before entering the customs, and they were afraid that dew would wet their pants and put on flowerpot shoes. In fact, this statement is completely wrong. As mentioned above, flowerpot shoes are suitable for aristocratic women, and women who work in the fields are not qualified to wear them. Secondly, women's skin is delicate, and flowerpot shoes are designed to prevent mosquito bites. This statement is also wrong, because Manchu women's cheongsam is generally very long, covering the upper and even the sole, and there is absolutely no need to raise the sole.
Third, cover up ugliness. Before the Qing Dynasty entered the customs, women never bound their feet, but after they dominated the Central Plains, they were gradually influenced by the "three-inch golden lotus" and thought that Bigfoot was something detrimental to prestige. So aristocratic women in Qing Dynasty put on flowerpot shoes to hide their ugliness. In fact, the above three points are not the main reasons. The real purpose of flowerpot shoes is actually to facilitate the emperor.
As we all know, there are countless concubines in the harem, as well as countless empresses, concubines, concubines, concubines and constant attendants ... The emperor can't even remember anyone except the queen and several concubines. However, the emperor can distinguish their identities by embroidery and beading on flowerpot shoes. As long as he takes a quick look, he will know who is standing in front of him.