Laura

Thanks for your thoughts and absolutely no offence taken! Laura

Love it, but no! National Button Society (USA)

Thank you for the welcome Jean, and for your reply. I agree they were probably tourist items and I think were most likely meant to be converted to cuff buttons or links, and yes, maybe early 20thc. They are quite dirty, so I'll try the soft brush treatment. I have several lovely old Shakudo pieces which I treasure. I collect antique buttons (allowed by the NBS as buttons) and they are amongst my collection. These little plaques are different in style and finish, hence the reason for my question. Thank you for helping! I really appreciate it. Regards Laura

I'm assuming these four plaques are Shibuichi work,Meiji period. Can anyone tell me what they might have been used for and how to clean them if that's advisable....two of them are in better condition than others. They measure just over 2cm. Do the images have any particular significance? They are a recent purchase and didn't cost much. Thank you in anticipation! Grateful for any advice.