Art And Craft Folk Art Appraisal

Button and Bead Figure

This item is a handmade doll or figure constructed from various buttons, beads, and string. The head is represented by a small, polished wooden bead. A larger, flat, black button serves as a hat, secured with a white string loop that extends upwards, likely for hanging. The neck is made from several small, translucent plastic tube-shaped beads. The body is composed of multiple layered dark brown or black buttons, likely plastic or bakelite, forming a cylindrical torso. The shoulders and arms are created using sections of the same translucent plastic tube-shaped beads as the neck, arranged horizontally with the beads stacked to form segmented limbs. The legs are also formed from the translucent plastic tube-shaped beads, strung vertically and capped at the feet with small, flat, dark buttons similar to those used for the torso. The construction appears to be achieved by threading thread or thin cord through the holes of the buttons and beads, securing the components together. The overall appearance suggests a simple, folk-art style construction, possibly a craft project. There are no visible manufacturing marks or signatures. The materials show some signs of age, particularly a slight yellowing of the translucent plastic beads. The string appears clean and shows no fraying. The buttons show minimal wear. The piece has a charming, handcrafted quality.