A pair of silk boots, Central Asia, circa 11th/12th century

each boot composed of sections of fine woven silk, lined to the interior, belt lining above foot and top, with looser silk component to upper-section, the design with diamond-panels containing stylised flowerheads with butterflies in between 

The boots in fragile condition due to nature of the textile and age. There are some tears with associated consolidation and restoration, the soles of each boot with netting for conservation, some staining throughout and general ware as consistent with original function. Some minor residue marks, As viewed. Please consult a professional consultant for further advice on conservation and potential further restoration.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Roughly a thousand years old, these fine silk boots are rare survivors, a testimony to the extensive trade network passing through Central Asia during the eleventh/twelfth century. Composed of silk, a highly prized material, these boots are echoes of Chinese models from the Tang (618-907 AD), Liao (907-1125 AD) and Song dynasties (960-1127 AD). The quality of the silk and craftsmanship itself, largely lost today, further bears witness to the importance of the silk-route from China. Two comparable boots in shape and make-up are in the Cleveland Museum of Art, inv. nos. 1992.349; 1992.350 (see Watt and Wardwell 1998, pp.46-7, no.10). 

The floral medallions, with blue and gold highlights, belong to the known repertoire of Chinese silk textiles (see Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inv. no. 1996.103.1).

Chinese trade ceramics from the same period which were excavated in Rayy, Iran, are known to have arrived through sea routes, supporting the idea that textiles were also transported in this way (Watt and Wardwell 1998, p.48).