All things buttons & more …
Casein is termed a plastic (being a by product from milk with an additive to harden it) Many buttons were made from this during the 1930’s and 40’s. The ones I have shown are all black and white and they certainly make a statement. Some have several layers of alternate black and white which have then been cut back through the layers at different angles giving a really good look. Others have been carved through the top black layer to reveal the white underneath. They appeal to me.
Designed by Sonia Collard of Australia, both of these buttons are sterling silver. The first one is named “Celtic Opal” as the design suggests, having a type of Celtic knot with an opal set in the middle. “Pearly Shell” is the name of the second one for obvious reasons. They are both very nicely made. Celtic Opal was made in 2016 and Pearly Shell in 2017.
These two enamel buttons both have a type of geometric design. I chose them because of their designs as well as the great colour combinations on each. I think that they are rather striking.
Here are three very different hand painted Satsuma buttons from Japan, all of which I love. The third one I think is a little more modern than the other two and very colourful. The second with three ladies is a traditional type of design. The first shows a Geisha Girl with her sunshade and is really attractive. They all have the crackled glaze which is typical of Satsuma buttons.
I also show the back view of the Geisha Girl which in this case has been signed.
Being 3 1/2 cms in diameter, this white metal button depicts a scene from The Mikado. This of course is a famous Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta. The design naturally is very Oriental with the Cherry Blossom tree and the figures with their sunshade and fan.
These groups of buttons I have sewn onto a banner in colour groups. They are from the 1940’s and I like their simplicity and colours. The colours are much more subtle than those of today.
This metal button is quite plain in design but I think rather elegant. I feel that the raised lady’s head in the middle is rather lovely. The reverse shows a thread back which is a little unusual on a metal button. It is a new acquisition to my collection.
Children’s stories and nursery rhymes are represented in this group. They are all very detailed with the figures in high relief. Two have fancy borders and the other is very plain.
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.