Status Symbol or Foot Fetish? Female Footbinding in Imperial China

Join us for a compelling and rare lecture with Dr. Kim Tee, a renowned podiatrist who has worked with some of the last living survivors of the footbinding tradition. Dr. Tee will share insights from his work with Sun Choi Ngo Chu, a Chicago resident who underwent footbinding at the age of seven and later immigrated to the U.S. in 1976 to seek surgical reconstruction.

As part of our newest exhibition, Chinese Lotus Shoes: Footbinding in Imperial China, this lecture will explore the historical context of footbinding and the medical interventions used to reverse its effects. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from Dr. Tee’s personal experiences and professional expertise.

Topics covered will include:

• Historical origins and cultural significance of footbinding

• The process and stages of binding from childhood

• Health impacts and physical deformities

• Surgical reconstruction and modern medical responses

• Ethical reflections on tradition, trauma, and memory

This lecture provides a unique opportunity to understand a controversial chapter in Chinese history—where fashion, power, pain, and perseverance converge.

Speaker: Dr. Kim Tee

Dr. Kim Tee is a distinguished podiatrist affiliated with Thorek Memorial Hospital and the president and owner of the Chinatown Foot Clinic. In 2024, he served as a Sports Doctor and Specialist at the Paris Olympics and previously volunteered at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he was selected from over 1.2 million applicants.

Dr. Tee is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals, actively teaching surgical techniques to medical graduates and performing advanced foot and ankle procedures. He has served as a Clinical Surgical Instructor for the Podiatric Surgical Residency Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Oak Brook Surgical Center.

Beyond his medical career, Dr. Tee is deeply committed to community service. He is the founder of the Malaysian Club of Chicago, co-founder of the Chinatown Museum Foundation, and served as President of the Chinese American Museum of Chicago from 2006 to 2012.

His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Asian American Coalition of Chicago Community Service Award, the Medicine Award from the Asian American Hall of Fame (2008), and the Humanitarian Award from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White (2009).

Accessibility:

The Heritage Museum of Asian Art's Entrance is on West 35th Street. Take the elevator to the third floor and turn right to the Museum Reception Desk. The museum is wheelchair accessible, accessible and standard toilets are located on the same floor. Audio Description will be available for those who need it. Free parking space is available next to the museum via West 35th Street.