Child's Dragon Cap and Slippers
Cloth with some carved things. I was told this is a cap and slipper set for a baby or toddler. Cap is about 8x6x4 inches, the slippers 4 inches.
From my Mother: "They came from my grandparents on my mother's side who were missionaries in Foochow China. Their name was Kinnear, and he was a doctor who had a hospital. He went to China in the 1880s. They didn't return to the States until 1929. during the Boxer Rebellion. In 1901 the hospital was burned but restored. They were funded by the Congregational church but returned to the states several times to raise money for the hospital. Many vases, lacquer objects, cork carving pictures, clothing, teakwood furniture, and dish sets were given to them as payment for services. As the Japanese invited China and later the communists invaded the objects were given to my grandparents to save some objects of Pre-Communist China as the old culture was being destroyed. I have a journal with photos of the hospital and patients who received care from my grandfather. The journal was given to people who contributed to the mission."
Inherited
Maybe
Hello!
I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal.
Considering the photos, this item is:
A vintage Chinese cap and slipper set for a toddler of fine red silk. The cap is designed to snugly fit the head, covering the ears and with extended neck flap at the back, with padded cotton lining, and decorated with appliques, embroidery, silk pom-poms in flower and abstract designs. The red silk high slippers are richly padded and embroidered with applique silk dragon faces at the toes. Dragon shoes were used to frighten off evil spirits and to help a toddler learn how to walk. They were used as a protective symbol to attempt to ward off the high mortality rates.
The cap has several holes and sings of aging and usage, as well as the lost colors in the slippers, which make them in not good condition.
Period and style: Chinese, late 19th century / early 20th century.
Provenance: Inherited.
Height: 8x6x4 inches (cap); 4 inches (slippers).
Weight: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Condition: Fair condition (items have noticeable signs of wear such as well scuffed edges or significant scratches and holes as well as missing colors and details).
Estimated price: This piece has an estimated price of $ 50 - 200
