Bethlehem Carved Pearl Vintage Button – Bible

Description

Franciscan monks came from Damascus to the Bethlehem area around the 15th century and brought with them the skill of carving mother-of-pearl. It was a perfect art for the craftspeople in Bethlehem. The nearby Red Sea provided a great source of shell. Also known as Jerusalem Buttons.  During its long history,  Jerusalem has been destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times. The oldest part of the city was settled in the 4th millennium BCE, making Jerusalem one of the oldest cities in the world.

This unique button is 36cm and in excellent condition