Figural Ornament Appraisal

Button Figure Ornament

This item is a handmade figure or doll constructed primarily of assorted buttons and a wooden bead. The figure is suspended from a thin string, suggesting it is intended as an ornament or mobile. The 'head' is a single, round wooden bead with a natural, light wood tone. The 'hat' appears to be a dark, possibly plastic or bakelite button with a curved, almost sombrero-like shape. The 'arms' are formed from a stack or row of multiple, cylindrical, translucent buttons, likely plastic, with a creamy or light yellow hue and horizontal grooves. The 'body' and 'legs' are created by stacking numerous buttons of various sizes, shapes, and colors. The body appears to be composed mainly of flat, circular buttons in shades of brown, black, and white/cream, stacked vertically. The 'legs' are made of stacks of the same translucent cylindrical buttons used for the arms, topped with dark, flat buttons for 'feet'. The construction method appears to be threading the buttons and bead onto a central string or wire, creating a linear string puppet or hanging figure. The overall condition appears good with no visible damage, though some buttons show slight variations in surface wear consistent with their likely origin as used buttons. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures. Based on the materials and handcrafted nature, this piece is likely from the mid to late 20th century or early 21st century, representing a form of folk art or craft.