These contemporary, traditional style Japanese women's shoes known as 'geta' were worn on formal or ceremonial occasions. Their provenance to Yasuko Myer, wife of Ken Myer, prominent Australian businessman and philanthropisr, both of whom were tragically killed in a light aeroplan crash in Alaska in 1992, make them of particular significance. The museum has no contemporary 'geta' in the collection. The museum is the recipent of the Yasuko Myer Bequest for the acquisition of contemporary Australian jewellery. Yasuko Myer also generously sponsored the acquisition of a collection of Chinese festival jackets from Guizhou, China.

Geta are raised wooden sandals with straps, the woods used are paulownia, cedar, cypress, chestnut and oak. There are two broad categories of thonged footwear that are distinguished along the dimension of formality. Leather or cloth covered flat soled zori are formal, whereas the wooden geta are casual. Geta are usually worn sockless with casual wear.

These geta were presented to Ken and Yasuko Myer.

Sandals (geta) (pair), women's, wood / plastic, maker unknown, Japan, 1985-1992

Pair of women's geta with lacquered wood base, red and white paton plastic thong uppers and grey textured rubber soles. Two printed makers marks are fixed to the soles.

Made: Japan; 1985 - 1992

2003/56/2

1985 - 1992

70 mm

86 mm