Antique Buttons Take Center Stage at Lion and Unicorn’s Dedicated Sale This April

The ivory carvings of the Dieppe region are known for their work-in-evidence, wherein the master craftsman’s effort can be seen in the work itself, being both more fine and deeply cut than those found in Paris. It was the carving and artistry itself that Dieppe was known for, whereas a lighter, more high-polished work could be found in Paris. An example of Dieppe craftsmanship is on display in the Spring Antique Button Auction, offered by Lion and Unicorn, in the form of a carved button depicting a child outdoors in the trees. 

According the auction house, the Dieppe-carved button is one of the four rarest in the sale. The other key lots include a large 19th-century painting of a horse, a medium-sized floral pictorial button with black Coralene glass, and a Japanese Shibayama-style button. In addition to singular rare buttons in the sale, there are also button collections such as a card of extra large carved and engraved jade buttons and fasteners, a set of 23 medium French white metal-head buttons with male and female heads in provincial costume, a large bag of assorted pearl buttons, and more. View any of these lots and register to bid on Lion and Unicorn’s website.