ARITA Chinese God of Wisdom BUTTON, Embossed /Painted Detail, Vintage Era

Description

Antique clothing button -- Fukurokuju, the Chinese God of Wisdom -- was produced in Japan, probably in the mid 1900s. This was part of a set of seven Chinese Mythical figures / gods. I believe this button is an ARITA -- meaning it is made of porcelain or ceramics, and it has a style specific to the northwestern Japanese island of Kyushu and the town of Arita. Like most Arita buttons in mom's collection, this one is marked on the back: JAPAN, plus some additional writing in Japanese characters. It features embossed and hand-painted detailing, and has a molded-in, self-shank on the back. Please refer to the ruler pictured in the image for the exact size of the button. Overall condition: Solid VG+..... The button has some smudge marks scattered around the surface. I'm not sure if this was caused during production or it was soiled during usage. I haven't tried to clean it, so I'm also not sure if these smudge marks can be removed. Otherwise, there may be slight surface/paint wear, but there are no cracks, large chips, or other more serious flaws. It is overall in nice shape and will display quite well. See attached photos for more detail on the condition. ***************************************** PLEASE NOTE: I am NOT an expert on vintage buttons. My mom -- Nancy Moran -- was a longtime member of the National Button Society, plus was active in several local button clubs in New York. She is downsizing, so I am helping her sell some of her collection. But I am not familiar with all the terminology and intricacies of button collecting. I try to use various notes she left with the buttons to describe them to the best of my ability, but understand that any terms I use in describing these items, are not terms I am familiar or experienced with. So please use the attached images to form your own opinions. I am also not knowledgeable on the hobby criteria in condition grading -- so I use my condition grades in a commonsense manner -- as if grading any collectible -- they are not based on any hobby standards. Please contact me if you have specific questions, and I will answer them as best I can.
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