Antique Indian Gold-Embroidered Leather Mojari Shoes, Circa 1870–1910, Pair

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An exceptional pair of antique Indian mojari (khussa) ceremonial shoes, dating to the late 19th or very early 20th century, … Read more An exceptional pair of antique Indian mojari (khussa) ceremonial shoes, dating to the late 19th or very early 20th century, approximately 1870–1910.

Entirely hand constructed, the shoes feature richly worked metallic-gold thread embroidery in scrolling floral and foliate motifs over leather uppers, dramatically upturned toes, deep magenta-red leather interiors, turquoise-green leather accents, and visible hand stitching throughout. The aged metallic embroidery and wonderfully saturated interior colors give the pair extraordinary decorative presence.

The circa 1870–1910 attribution is based on the convergence of traditional hand-cut leather construction, hand-stitched sole and lining assembly, metallic-thread embroidery, curled Mughal-derived form, and the absence of later standardized machine construction. Closely related gold- and silver-embroidered Indian footwear is documented in museum collections by the 1860s–1870s and in North Indian manufacturing records of the 1880s, while this traditional form continued into the opening years of the 20th century.

Mojari of this elaborate type were associated with ceremonial and special-occasion dress and descended from the luxurious footwear traditions of the Mughal courts. Offered today as an evocative piece of Indian textile and decorative-arts history, this pair would be particularly striking displayed in a collection, dressing room, library, or layered interior.
Northern India/Punjab, attributed. Circa 1870–1910. See less