Page 10 - May1990

56 NATNON,{N, tsUTTON BUN,N,ETNN MAY I99O

As is inevitable with buttons, there are a few atypical examples, oddities with
pecularities oftheir own. For instance, we have a set that is shaped and patterned in the
usual way. But it does not have a loop shank. Instead, the metal cone is perforated with
two thread-holes. A gold set with the standard loop shank is completely patternless.
Some of the smaller buttons are compressed to the point of being deflated balls.
Although we lack positive proof that these buttons were made in China, all
evidence indicates that they were. It is certain that they were worn on Chinese
garments. The designs are Chinese rather than Western adaptations of Chinese
themes. Most important of all, as already explained, the buttons were hand made
without a mold or a die. The craftsmanship differs from any found in Europe or
America and impresses one as a method requiring oriental patience.
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A grouping of mandarin buttons from
the collection of Lucille Weingorten.
A tray of mandarin buttons assembled by These are exceptional in that the top
the late Viviane Ertell-from the editor's three buttons are diminutive and two
collection. silver buttons are included.
Reprintedfrom NBB Moy-June 1975.
Editor's Note.' Several years ago, we received a letter from LaVerne Abendschein of
Missouri in which she included some pictures of a gorgeous robe she had seen with the
Mandarin buttons. The story that LaVerne tells is so intriguing that we would like to
share it with our readers.
Several years ago, LaVerne gave a talk on buttons at a Thimble Club meeting. At
this meeting she found Mrs. Francene Wishart, who she had met a couple of years
before and found out about the Mandarin robe she had. LaVerne had lost her
telephone number, so she felt it was destiny that brought them together again. This
time, she followed up immediately on her offer to see and photograph the robe.
It seems that Mrs. Wishart lived in Russia for three years during the reign of Stalin.
Her father was a consulting engineer for the meat packing industry there. As a girl in
her late teens at the time, and because ofher father's position in that country, she was
invited to many Russian parties and other social functions. At one of the parties she
attended, she was noticed by Madame Gheltser, who was a teacher of Anna Pavlova
(1881-1931). Anna, a Russian ballet dancer, was the most famous ballerina of her
generation. Her most memorable role was in a solo, The Swan.
Madame Gheltser toured China and a member of royalty gave her this robe after
she danced. It is said that only royalty could wear yellow, so we know that being yellow