Several types of Victorian metal picture buttons with dragons and winged beasts. Includes one depicting Saint George slaying a dragon.
 Dignity & Impudence, inspired by the popular 1839 painting by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer. http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/landseer-dignity-and-impudence-n00604           Mans best friend immortalized in button form. Includes a couple of sporting buttons & various breeds.
Antique Victorian crane buttons made in Paris, France, on original card with blue metallic tint. The crane, stork, or heron are 3 similar looking birds with similar symbolism dating to ancient times. Fifteen species of crane inhabit five continents.
Greek & Roman myth described the dance of cranes as one of love, joy & a celebration of life. The crane was associated with the sun god Apollo & is a sign of Spring. In Japanese, Chinese & Korean culture, the cranes fabled lifespan of 1000 years has made it a symbol of longevity, immortality & happiness. The Japanese Crane has a red crown & white body. It stands nearly 5ft tall, with a wingspan of more than 6ft & is considered one of the most magnificent. These large & powerful wings were believed to carry people to higher levels of spiritual enlightenment & souls to paradise. The Japanese refer to the crane as “the bird of happiness;” the Chinese as “heavenly crane,” believing it to be a symbol of wisdom.       A bit too plain for jewelry, these lovely silk buttons are perfect for costuming & re-enactors. The 2 cards at the top have a subtle stripe, while the set at the bottom has a braided center. The braided buttons are in a hard setting, most likely vegetable ivory. All have padded backs to sew through. Because these buttons would be more permanently attached by being sewn on, they were probably made for garments that weren't laundered as often such as coats & vests.
        I love having a large lot of buttons to pick through. This grouping had all kinds of buttons including pictures, storybook, twinkles, pressed pewter, Czech glass, waistcoat, black glass, plain brass, mother of pearl & velvet perfume buttons.
3rd picture from the top is a storybook button with a design known as the "Easter Boat Ride." It depicts 2 birds towing a 1/2 shell boat with 2 figures inside. Several, like the navy twinkle buttons & those with a strawberry design have worked their way into bracelets, while others have been sold.  In the late 1800’s William Bouguereau was one of the most popular painters in France. In 1880, his painting “Young Girl Defending Herself From Eros,” took the Paris Salon by storm. His romantic style of classical imagery was a hit with the public. This button was made in Paris & is a replica of his famous painting.              Antique metal picture buttons with cupid, angels, fairies & putti.
Different types of lion buttons. Top:Storybook button of Sampson Wresting the Lion. Middle: Doorknocker style brass figural lion heads. Bottom: Heraldry style lion with shield.
Small ball shaped buttons with hear shapes cut out of the top that allow the interior reflective twinkle aspect to shine through & provide additional brilliance.
      Full cards of unused antique Victorian & Edwardian buttons; a great way to motivate me to create more jewelry.
   A couple cards of antique mother-of-pearl buttons from France. Both have nice graphics.
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