The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 13, 2026

Six circular silver buttons, arranged in two columns of three, feature relief carvings of coiling dragons. The dragons in the left column face right, while those on the right face left. Each creature displays intricate scales, sharp claws, and an open mouth. Polished highlights on the dark gray silver emphasize the muscular, swirling forms and textured details of the metalwork.

Buttons with Dragon

early 1900s

Japan, Meiji period

(1868–1912) or Taishō period (1912–26)

Set of six buttons; cast (?) silver with relief

Diameter: 3.8 cm (1 1/2 in.)

Gift of Laurence H. Norton, Robert C. Norton, and Miriam Norton White in memory of Mr. and Mrs. D. Z. Norton 1939.426

Location: Not on view

{{cite web|title=Buttons with Dragon|url=false|author=|year=early 1900s|access-date=13 April 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1939.426