Empress Dowager Cixi (1836–1908), from the Manchu Blue Banner, was originally named Yehenara Xishan. She is one of the rare women in Chinese history who seized imperial power and ruled behind the scenes during the reigns of Emperor Tongzhi and Emperor Guangxu, becoming the de facto leader of late Qing China. According to historical records, she had a particular fondness for high-heeled shoes.
Manchu women traditionally wore different types of footwear than Han Chinese women. They wore flat-soled shoes made of wood, known as "flag shoes," which came in various styles, including square-toed, high-angled, and elevated versions. The most distinctive were the high-end flag shoes, with soles about 10 centimeters tall. These shoes were often wrapped in multiple layers of white cloth and decorated with intricate embroidery, patterns, and trims. There were three main styles: the flowerpot-shaped heel, the horseshoe-shaped heel, and the ingot-shaped heel. Empress Dowager Cixi particularly favored the flowerpot and horseshoe styles. Her preference for pink flowerpot heels and blue horseshoe heels reflected her unique taste, with their pure colors and elegant designs becoming her signature look.
In many of her portraits and photographs, she is seen wearing these high-heeled shoes, which gave her a graceful and dignified appearance. This detail highlights her deep fascination with this type of footwear.
Born into a noble family, Cixi was chosen at the age of 15 to become a concubine in the imperial court. After gaining the favor of Emperor Xianfeng, she became a high-ranking consort. Following his death, she joined forces with Prince Gong to stage the "Xin You Coup," eliminating rival factions and securing control over the throne. With Emperor Guangxu ascending after the death of Emperor Tongzhi, Cixi continued to rule from behind the curtain, effectively controlling the country as a regent.
Her reign was marked by controversial decisions, including the brutal suppression of the Taiping Rebellion, the extravagant construction of the Summer Palace, and the signing of unequal treaties such as the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which worsened the plight of the Chinese people. Despite these actions, Cixi's personal life was complex and deeply human. As a woman, she experienced love, ambition, and desire for beauty and youth, just like any other person.
However, her hunger for power set her apart. She was not only driven but also ruthless in her pursuit of authority. Once in power, she used her position to satisfy her desires, leading to behaviors that seemed extraordinary or even bizarre by ordinary standards. Beauty was always important to her, and she understood its power. She had once used her looks to gain the emperor’s favor, and when she held power, she devoted herself to maintaining her youthful appearance through various methods, striving to remain beautiful and powerful forever.
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