18th Century Marine Scene Enamel Button
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
18th century
This 18th-century button features a finely hand-painted enamel marine scene, characterized by a smooth, glass-like finish achieved through meticulous hand polishing.
The painted design depicts a landscape incorporating figures, architecture, and water elements, set against a delicate pink-hued background. The enamel work is notably thin and is framed by an ornate, twisted border of gold paillons. The ensemble is mounted on a gilded brass backing, featuring a traditional braised-on loop shank typical of the period.The craftsmanship reflects the specialized techniques of 18th-century decorative metalwork and enamel production.
The item is classified as a large-sized button, measuring 1 1/4 inches or greater in diameter.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Size
- Large (1 1/4" and above)
- Material
- enamel, gilded brass, gold paillons
Design
- Border
- twisted gold paillons
- Obverse
- marine scene with people, architecture, and water
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.