Foot binding is a tradition that began during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, flourishing during the Song Dynasty and fading in the early 20th century; British photographer Jo Farrell captured the last remaining women who were forced to endure such pain to achieve 'lotus feet,' a sign of wealth and aristocracy in the past. Yet looking at these images, it is hard not to liken it to a form of child abuse and torture.
Jo Farrell interviewed and shot 50 women in three Chinese provinces, the results of which she hopes to put together for a coffee table book titled 'Living History: Bound Feet Women of China.' Jo Farrell is currently seeking crowdfunding on Kickstarter. She reveals, "They feel somewhat ashamed of their feet, as it is a bygone tradition and does not represent modern ways in China. They are a generation of forgotten women."
Bound Feet Photography
Jo Farrell Captures the Last Remaining Women Who Endured Foot-Binding
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