Sleeve Button 1873 - 1876

This porcelain sleeve button was made by the Union Porcelain Works, active in the United States between 1863 and 1922. Made of white porcelain, the button features a three-dimensional frog motif. Porcelain is created by firing a mixture of clay, silica, and feldspar at high temperatures. The process requires skilled labor, precise temperature control, and specialized equipment, reflecting the industrialization of ceramics during this period. The frog is slip-cast, a process suited to mass production in factories. The button’s smooth, translucent surface results from the vitrification of the porcelain during firing. Its small scale and refined detail speak to the technical capabilities of the Union Porcelain Works, which sought to compete with European manufacturers by embracing industrial production methods. Ultimately, the button’s aesthetic appeal lies in the contrast between its delicate form and the industrialized processes behind its creation, bridging the gap between craft and mass production.