Sleeve Button 1873 - 1876

This small porcelain button, made by the Union Porcelain Works between 1873 and 1876, features a meticulously crafted dog's head in profile. The button, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a testament to the fine craftsmanship of the period and the popularity of animal motifs in Victorian decorative arts. The intricate detail of the dog's head, despite its small size, speaks to the skill of the artisans at the Union Porcelain Works. The button's simple white color and the sculpted dog's head are elements of the Victorian style prevalent during the late 19th century.