Sleeve Button 1873 - 1876

This is a porcelain sleeve button, created by the Union Porcelain Works. At first glance, we see a small circular form dominated by a subtle, almost ghostly relief of a turtle. The button's pale, matte surface diffuses light softly, creating a tactile invitation. The composition is simple: the turtle, centered, its form echoing the button’s circular boundary. Consider how the turtle motif itself functions here. Turtles often symbolize longevity and stability. In the context of a sleeve button, a utilitarian object, this creates a quiet tension. Does the artist wish to convey a sense of timelessness through the imagery? Porcelain as a medium also speaks volumes. Its smooth, refined surface lends an air of sophistication. This seemingly modest object becomes a site where material, form, and symbolism converge, inviting us to reconsider the value we place on the everyday.