Page 35 - July2011

July 2011 THE NATIONAL 'BuTTon BULLETIN 141

But judges did not always give generous BOD (benefit of doubt) and buttons
were judged subjectively.
As late as 1997 the Classification book's Glosssary entry
for Patterns said simply: "Refer to NBS Bulletins, March 1976,
pp. 54-62, and February 1986, pp. 5-16." In 1998 the definition
of Paisley became, "May have a split or fancy tail, singular or
multiple design, outline, or paisley shape." This was more
helpful, but no one had defined the "paisley shape;' and
judging inconsistencies persisted. Many judges gave undue
importance to the various configurations of the tail, which
Celluloid in metal has no historical relevance.
Pattern enthusiasts for years had asked for a revision of
the Patterns section, which they saw as woefully inadequate.
Finally, beginning in 2008, the current Classification
Committee tackled the task. Some of the avid Pattern
collectors were asked to participate in the process.
When it came to Paisley, it was agreed that a tighter
definition was required that also respected the
long tradition of ornate paisley design.
The first decision was to follow NBS tradition
and require that a cone be present. But a "cone" is a
Contour form in Shapes, with its own class number and a totally different defini-
tion. So it was decided to use the term "motif." To honor the traditional paisley
design, some decoration was required to be present. The new class definition was
presented in the May 2009 National Button Bulletin and was voted on and approved
at the 2009 National Convention. It reads: A comma- or curved teardrop-shaped
motif containing and/or surrounded by some amount of decorative stylized plant
forms or scrolls. A yin-yang is not appropriate here, but belongs in Turned designs
(turn-around).
The new definition does exclude some highly stylized or unornamented buttons
that previously have been accepted as Paisley in NBS competition. This is not
new. The standards are constantly being revised
when definitions are found to be inadequate,
Ceramic
with or new evidence turns up, or further research
under glaze indicates that designs have been misinterpreted.
design The early organizers of the NBS Classification
System did not have access to the abundance of
information enjoyed today. In short, those who
compete or judge must read the new classification to keep up with the changing
standards of a class.