Decorated slippers (From the Lewis Cabinet)
This type of slipper or jutti is common in India. The design, with the sharp extended tip or nokh curving upwards, derives from the Mughal era. The sequins sewn on the front are made from the wings of beetles (Stenocera aequisignata), which have been used in India for this purpose for centuries. The pair has leather soles with a very slight heel, and the uppers have a braided edge and are lined and decorated with felt. This finely decorated footwear belongs to the cabinet of ‘Oriental’ manuscripts and curiosities presented in 1726 by George Lewis. Lewis served as Chaplain to the East India Company in Madras and the slippers may have been given to him as a gift. However, they are not listed in the catalogue of his collection, printed ca 1727, so may be later additions to the cabinet.
Information about this document
- Physical Location: Cambridge University Library
- Classmark: From the Lewis Cabinet
- Subject(s): Shoes
- Origin Place: South India?
- Date of Creation: Early eighteenth century?
- Donor(s): Lewis, George
- Provenance: Presented by George Lewis.
- Author(s) of the Record: CUL
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- Physical Location: Cambridge University Library
- Classmark: From the Lewis Cabinet
- Subject(s): Shoes
- Origin Place: South India?
- Date of Creation: Early eighteenth century?
- Donor(s): Lewis, George
- Provenance: Presented by George Lewis.
- Author(s) of the Record: CUL
Information about this document
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