Watched by Heaven, Tied to Earth: Summoning Animal Protection for Chinese Children

Presented by: Bata Shoe Museum
March 15 - October 7, 2007

Bata Shoe Museum,
327 Bloor St W,
Toronto ON

Times: Daily 10 am - 5 pm, Thurs 10 am - 8 pm and Sun 12 - 5 pm

Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors, $6 students with ID, youths (ages 5 - 17) $4, children under 5 free

Featuring over 200 beautifully crafted Chinese children’s shoes and garments. Drawn largely from the private collection of Mr. Glenn Roberts, other private collections and from the Bata Shoe Museum, Watched by Heaven, Tied to Earth explores the many meanings and symbolism that Chinese mothers and grandmothers used to protect their precious children. Through an astonishing array of shoes, hats, bibs and accessories dating from the mid-19th century to the present, the exhibition explores long-standing traditions and beliefs that continue to resonate in China. With the majority of pieces never displayed in Canada, the abundance of colours and textures draw visitors into a playful world ruled by sewn, painted, appliquéd, and embroidered animals. Augmenting the displays of artifacts are photographs, paper cuts, and a video illustrating how shoes and garments were made and worn. A children’s activity area completes the exhibition and features Chinese masks, puppets, games and animal picture books.

For more information contact:
Phone: 416.979.7799 or visit www.batashoemuseum.ca