Middle / Near East, Medieval Islamic period, Mamluk, ca. 14th century CE. An exceedingly rare mold-formed pottery votive object in the form of a petite shoe. The shoe features a semicircular heel, a slanted foot opening, a pointed toe, and several small bulbs on the bottom for traction. The surfaces of the shoe are glazed in hues of dark-blue and pale orange, and slender decorations atop the toe imbue the votive with a personalized presentation. Votive shoes like this were left as offerings for safe journeys. The original glaze has developed fiery layers of attractive silvery and rainbow-hued iridescence which adds to the enticing nature of this shoe! Size: 3.6" L x 1.5" W x 1.4" H (9.1 cm x 3.8 cm x 3.6 cm).

Provenance: private California, USA collection; ex-Joel Malter collection, California, USA, before 2000

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#149133

Heel portion reattached to shoe body, with resurfacing and light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor abrasions and nicks to base, toe, and heel, with fading to original pigmentation, and light encrustations. Light earthen deposits and stunning iridescence throughout.