A Study on the Historical Changes of Western Button Design - Focused on ancient, middle and modern age -

서양단추 디자인의 시대적 변천에 관한 연구 - 고대, 중세, 근세시대를 중심으로 -

Buttons in general reflect the culture of the society, and their values depend on practicality, decorative feature, and symbolism. Their infinite potential enables us to attempt various original changes in formative factors such as forms, patterns, colors, materials and sizes. In addition new styles, methods, and techniques are tried to show that the decorative feature becomes stronger today than it did in the past when the function was more important. Now buttons are not only a factor of clothing but have value as composite art works reflecting the pride, idea and culture of a nation. Moreover consumers' interest in new designs increases everyday as the moderns' desire for unique individuality rises. Button designs of Korea, however, are still far behind in the aspects of materials, qualities, and methods, facilities, and scale of production. And uniform mass production prevails without the buttons of creative and artistic values made due to the lack of specialized designers. Therefore it seems necessary to carry out historial studies simultaneously with the rising interest in button designs now. Prior to developing new designs, the study will examine those of western buttons that are the origin, going through relevant literature and data to define the characteristics of each era and type. It may provide basic data for developing the backward button designs of Korea.