haaih (Cantonese Opera Shoes)

Flat-soled shoes of this configuration and with this kind of decoration were worn by female actors representing young women of ordinary rank. 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

The relative simplicity of the decoration indicates that the character is of ordinary rank.

A pair of flat-soled shoes made of white fabric heavily decorated with silver sequins. There is an image of a butterfly or moth made of sequins and edged with white fur over the toes.