All things buttons & more …
These three buttons are modern, each having a black velvet like background. One is covered with blue iridescent bugle beads, one has gold and black beads with pearls and the other is an abstract design with gold and blue beads. I think they make a nice group.
This group of buttons are from the late 1890’s and feature portraits. There are various sizes and they are set in brass with clear celluloid on the top to protect the picture. Some have pretty decorative borders and one has a metal filigree surround. Lithographs are a very early form of printing.
BY FREYA MARRIOTT – AUSTRALIA
Named “East Beach”, this hand made glass button features a bird flying over the beach. I am impressed with the effect of the sand in which she used silver to get the look. It was made early this year.
Each of these small frames hold six small MOP buttons.One frame has mainly carved buttons with some fabulous designs. One button has a brass escutcheon of a fan.The other frame has a nice variety of MOP buttons which include cut steel, a brass head, a metal pear and leaves and one brass button with MOP inset and lovely decorative floral design. Aren’t they just so lovely.
These buttons and buckles are made of small facetted pieces of glass set into gold or silver coloured metal.A lot of the older ones are claw set while the newer ones are glued in.They are very sparkly and would be really showy on evening wear especially when under lights.
Netsukes are the carved ornament at the top of the Japanese Inro which is used to hold medicine, money or tobacco.
These netsukes are modern and are made of carved Vegetable Ivory.
I really admire the detailed carving not only on the top but also on the bottom. (as seen in the pictures)
You can also see the two holes where the cord is threaded through.
This Japanese Inro (from the Showa period) has one compartment only where many have three or four.
The bead where the cord is threaded through is called an Ojime.
The carved dragon on the top is the Netsuke. This enables the cord to pass behind the sash (obi) of the kimono which stops it from slipping down.
This group of six buttons have a metal base. The background on each is of a different coloured celluloid (thus the name Celluloid Backs) The ornamentation on the top is also of metal and very delicate in design. I really like them.
All of these buttons are purely for decorative purposes only and not to be functional. They have a hole on each side to enable them to be stitched onto the garment. I do not know their exact age but they are quite old. These are the only buttons of this type that I have.
Here are two original button cards complete with all buttons.
One has 24 purple buttons made with braid being wound around a wooden mould. They were made in England.
The other being made in Germany has 6 large fawn and purple buttons made from some type of plastic. Their colour is quite unusual.