Rare 1920s Black Painted Silk Shoes, Collector's Item, Arum or Calla Lily Design, Kid Leather Lined, Louis Heel, Single Strap, OOAK, As Is

These are something else. I think I can safely say they are definitely one of a kind. They date from the 1920s and are hand painted, skilfully.

The shoes are black silk with a low 65mm/2.5 inch, chunky, Louis heel. They have a slightly rounded pointed toe and a single strap over the instep with glass button closure. They are lined with a combination of white kid leather and fabric. They were obviously a quality shoe.

What makes them really stand out is the handprinted arum or calla lily design over the entire front of the shoe with a little detail around the ankle as well. The painting was done in the 1920s because the shoes have sustained a little bit of wear damage from them (more details below) and it goes through the painting as well.

The painting as been done sympathetic to the shape and design of the shoe. The lilies are white with teal blue and red and the leaves green with a bit of black.

What is frustrating is that there is no indication of the maker. There isn't even an indent of a stamped name on the insole (where it usually is, but can sometimes wear off). These are obviously quality and special shoes, but there is only a 4 1/2 and a number stamped on the inside of the shoe on the fabric near the front and a 4 1/2 and 4 on the sole (and possibly a VII on the inside of the heel). I think 4 1/2 is the size but that is about it.

So yes, I think they are a 4 1/2 in size and that would be be UK and vintage. They measure 9.5 inches along the insole and 2.75 inches on the sole. But should they even be worn.....

The shoes are in fair condition. They present well, but there is wear and damage. Where the shoe bends at the front there are cracks in the paint and silk underneath on both shoes. This is hard to see, but when you inspect, you realise that it is there. There is wear to the silk at the top of each heel. These are shown in photo 10. There are a couple more scuff marks and breaks in the silk on the shoes. The painting is intact but a bit dustier looking that it would have been when freshly done....I think the calla lilies were once bright white. As mentioned, nothing looks bad, but would they stand up to wear? I don't know. You could certainly do photo shoots with them with care and they are literally a work of art so display beautifully, But wear at your own risk. These are roughly 100 years old.

Please zoom in on the photos and feel free to ask any questions.

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