Pincushion in the shape of a men's shoe. Originally it had soft padding inside in which pins and needles could be stuck. The nose is decorated with a 'shou' (Longevity) character and the sides show bamboo (Zhu), also a symbol of Longevity. Never loosing its leaves, bamboo is a symbol of old age, endurance and modesty. Part of the sole has been given a rough steel inset on which needles could be sharpened. On the inside are the initials 'LW' for Luen Wo, who was active in Shanghai in the latter part of the 19th and first part of the 20th century. The pincushion was acquired in America in 2008. Length 5.2 cm. width 1.7 cm. Height 1.8 cm.