Leather Shoe with Gilded Decoration

Unknown

4th–7th century · Leather; gilded · Islamic Art

Documentary and archaeological sources attest to the variety of footwear in Byzantine Egypt. Written evidence suggests that sandals were worn by government officials, slippers by monks and clergy, and boots by soldiers and laborers; the poorest members of society would have gone barefoot. The gold that creates the lattice pattern was stamped onto the red leather of this sumptuously decorated shoe.

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th–7th century

Medium

Leather; gilded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George F. Baker, 1890