A pair of red leather shoes, ca. AD300-500, Egyptian, Akhmim (probably). Gilded with geometric design and embroidery.

A pair of red leather, flat shoes, semi-pointed toe and round heel. Fair condition. Egyptian, c. AD300-700 (probably). Turned technique. Sole : Straight. Mid-sole inserted at seat. Upper: Elaborately decorated with gold leaf and black stain. Small gold triangle at toe. Circular design mid-vamp appears embroidered with gold thread or silk. It includes a six petal flower with central dot surrounded by two concentric circles, on a black background. Band of decoration across instep is of squares and leads around quarters to heel. This row is topped with a strip of black with gold squares. Over instep is a square (13mm x 13mm) with two circles surrounding it. Heel is a fishtail tab with a central leather strip and strip of gold (6mm wide) either side of the back seam. Quarters' top is turned over and sew with whip stitch.

Purchased from Caspar Purdon Clarke

A pair of red leather, flat shoes.Egyptian c. AD300-500 (probably). Made using the turned technique. Decorated with embroidery and gilded geometric desgins. These shoes were acquired from C. Purdon Clarke.

Coptic footwear was generally made of leather, primarily using the turned technique to produce a slipper or shoe with a straight sole. Slippers often included a rand at the vamp and a fibre padded sole sewn together with prominent stitching or insole tab. They show variation in the form and height of the instep. Shoes were generally slip-ons and also show variation in the form and height of the instep. Footwear was highly decorated in geometric and floral designs. Often a variety of techniques were used in combination with the most popular being dyeing, gilding, openwork and appliqué.

370-1887