heu (Cantonese Opera Boots)

Boots with high soles were and are used in Cantonese opera to represent men of high status in both civil and military roles. The extent of decoration indicates the status of the character. These boots would have been worn by a male or female actor with an alto voice representing a young male scholar of ordinary rank. During the years 1900-1930, Cantonese opera costumes were decorated with silver-plated brass discs and then with round mirrors, together with gold and silver thread. Sequins made of gelatin were first used on Cantonese opera costumes in the 1930s. Heavily-sequined costumes were popular in the 1950s-60s, with the sequins then being made of plastic. Sequins have continued to come and go in popularity since that time.

Cantonese Opera Performance

A pair of boots high enough to cover the wearer’s calf, with very thick white soles curved upwards at the front. The foot is demarcated from the calf with a line of silver sequins. The sides of the boots are decorated with large images of birds facing downwards, the birds and their details outlined in silver, and the images filled in with cream coloured sequins. There are long loops of fabric attached to the tops of the boots at the centre front.