mahn saang haaih (Cantonese Opera Shoes)

Flat-soled shoes of this configuration and with this kind of decoration were worn by male or female actors with alto voices playing young male scholar roles. The extent of decoration indicates the status of the character. 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 shoes made of shiny white fabric with large padded bulbous protrusions over the toes and slightly elevated soles. The shoes are decorated with lines of purple and gold sequins ending in curlicues at the front.