The exhibition, Shoes: Pleasure and Pain, is open at the Tai Koo Li shopping center in Sanlitun, Beijing until Aug 26. [Photo/art.china.cn]

An exhibition highlighting extraordinary footwear as it appears in folklore worldwide is on display in Beijing until Aug 26. 

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain is an exhibition that looks at the extremes in shoes, presenting over 140 pairs ranging from medieval footwear from the 1370s to the most elaborate designs by contemporary makers.They came from places including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. It opened July 26.

Divided by five different themes-Transformation, Status, Seduction, Creation, and Obsession-the display examines the pleasure and pain shoes have brought to women, and reflects on the culture roles they embody in the history of human creativity.

A special part of the exhibition is a showcase of 14 pairs of shoes from actress and singer Karen Mok's private collection, sharing exclusive personal stories of her life and career.

The exhibition is co-organized by London's Victoria and Albert Museum and the Swire Properties. Beijing is the fourth stop on its Asian tour.