Foot-binding dates to the Song dynasty (960-1279) and spread from court circles to wealthy elites and eventually from the city to the countryside. By the 19th century, it was commonplace across China.

From the start, foot-binding was imbued with erotic overtones. Gradually, other court ladies—with money, time and a void to fill—took up foot-binding, making it a status symbol among the elite.

Foot binding, the cruel practice of mutilating the feet of young girls, was once pervasive in turn-of-the-century China, where it was seen as a sign of wealth and marriage eligibility.

Further clinical study of foot-binding is nearly impossible; the women who were girls when it was outlawed are dying out. Jo Farrell, a Hong Kong–based photographer and cultural anthropologist ...

The Chinese knew foot-binding produced suffering and debility. Foot-binding was done to young girls, crushing the four smaller toes under the sole and compressing the rear of the anklebone.

Foot binding, or ‘lotus feet’, was once considered the height of female sexual attraction (Picture: Alamy) Foot binding, or ‘lotus feet’, stands as a symbol of a bygone China. Alongside ...

Foot-binding, as it is known, was first carried out 1,000 years ago. It was normal for centuries, until being finally outlawed in 1911. open image in gallery (AFP/Getty Images (AFP/Getty Images) ...

Foot-binding dates to the Song dynasty (960-1279) and spread from court circles to wealthy elites and eventually from the city to the countryside. By the 19th century, it was commonplace across China.

But with the advent of foot-binding, their spiritual descendants were in the West. Meanwhile, for the next 1,000 years, Chinese women directed their energies and talents toward achieving a three ...