Plum-Orchid-Bamboo-Chrysanthemum Metal Buttons

These plum orchid bamboo chrysanthemum metal buttons take their motifs from a group of four plants that Chinese painters have used for centuries to stand for the four seasons. Three of them are cast as buttons here: plum blossom, orchid and bamboo. Chrysanthemum, the fourth, is not in stock at the moment, so the choice is between the other three. Each button is a gold-tone metal alloy with the plant raised in relief across the face, and each has a shank at the back, so it stitches down the same way any shank button does. They measure 15mm and come in packs of 6 or 15, with a needle and thread included in every pack.

About Our Plum Orchid Bamboo Chrysanthemum Metal Buttons

Plum flowers in the cold, often before its own leaves appear. Orchid belongs to spring, bamboo to summer. That seasonal logic is what holds the group together, and it is why a run of the three across one garment reads as deliberate rather than mismatched. The motifs are cast rather than stamped flat, which is where the depth in the petals and leaves comes from. It also means no two pieces are exact twins: relief depth and the crispness of the detail shift a little from button to button, which comes with casting and is not a fault. The faces and the backs are plain metal, with no lettering, logo or emblem of any kind.

Where They Work Well

Coats, jackets, cardigans and blouses all take these well, and they look at home on cheongsam, hanfu and other Chinese-style pieces where the botanical motifs already suit the garment. Pass the thread through the shank at the back and sew as usual, keeping the spacing even down a placket or front opening. Staying with one design the whole way gives a quiet, formal line. Mixing the three, say plum blossom at the collar with bamboo further down, gives a piece more of a character of its own. Both approaches work; it comes down to how much you want the buttons noticed.

Choosing a Design and a Pack Size

Plum blossom is the roundest of the three, a five-petal shape that suits almost any coat or jacket and tends to be the easiest first choice. Orchid has a more delicate, curling line and sits well on lighter fabrics. Bamboo is the most linear of the set, with a straighter leaf silhouette that reads as slightly more restrained. On quantity, six is usually enough for one cardigan or a small repair job, while fifteen covers a full coat front with a few spares put aside. Spares are worth having, since matching a single lost button later is rarely straightforward.

Looking After the Finish

A soft, dry cloth is normally all the gold-tone finish needs. Take the buttons off before a garment goes in the wash where that is practical, or wash it on a gentle cycle inside a mesh bag so the relief is protected. Perfume, hairspray and strong household cleaners can dull the finish over time, so keep them clear of those. Loose buttons in a drawer pick up scratches, so a small box or pouch is better for storage.

One Thing to Know

The gold-tone colour comes from a surface coating rather than any gold content, so slight differences in shine or tone between pieces are normal. That coating can mark if it gets scratched or knocked about, and a little care in handling goes a long way.

Specifications

• Material: gold-tone metal alloy
• Design: plum blossom, orchid or bamboo motif in relief, shank back, no lettering or logo
• Size: 15mm
• Pack sizes: 6 or 15 pieces, needle and thread included
• Style: Chinese-inspired, vintage decorative

Great For: Coats, jackets, cardigans, blouses, cheongsam, hanfu and general sewing or craft projects.

Swap the buttons on a plain coat or cheongsam for a set of these and the difference shows straight away, since a cast plant motif carries far more of the garment than an ordinary fastener does. That is the appeal of four gentlemen flower buttons: a small, considered detail with roots in a much older design tradition.