Description
Antique Burmese Button Strand – Early 20th Century Glass Elegance
This Antique Burmese Button Strand, dating to around 1920, presents a charming and unusual glimpse into early 20th-century adornment. Composed of square glass buttons in a variety of hues, the strand blends pastel tones with dramatic accents, all bound by a shared delicacy in design and construction.
Unique Pastel and Bold Contrasts
The buttons feature soft pastel pinks and greens, as well as clear glass pieces with striking dark blue or black centers—an elegant contrast that adds visual depth to the strand. These combinations are characteristic of Burmese glasswork from the early 1900s, where artisans experimented with color fusion and form to produce functional yet decorative components.
Precision in Form and Finish
Each button measures 12.5 mm across the face and has a square shape with softly faceted edges, offering a tactile surface that reflects light in a gentle shimmer. The subtle faceting enhances their decorative appeal, while the overall symmetry speaks to a time when buttons were crafted not just for utility but for visual pleasure.
Full Strand for Display or Repurposing
At 26 inches long, this is a substantial strand—complete and ready for display or creative reuse. Whether kept intact as a collector’s item or incorporated into jewelry, fashion, or textile arts, the strand maintains a cohesive aesthetic thanks to its consistent sizing and balanced palette.
A Glimpse Into Burmese Decorative Culture
Glass buttons like these were likely used in both ceremonial and everyday clothing, bridging form and function in Southeast Asian fashion. Their preservation in a full strand makes them especially desirable, offering insights into both craftsmanship and the stylistic preferences of early 20th-century Burma.
Why Add This Piece to Your Collection?
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Full 26″ strand of early 20th-century Burmese glass buttons
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Square-shaped with softly faceted edges for light play
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Delicate pastel and contrasting dark-centered color scheme
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Buttons measure 12.5 mm across the face
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Rare, complete form ideal for collectors or designers
The Antique Burmese Button Strand captures a refined era of Southeast Asian material culture—compact, colorful, and full of character.




