Blog

Chinthe – a fearsome, sad and romantic beast

At the entrance of nearly every pagoda in Myanmar stands two chinthes, a lion-like creature, standing guard. In the midst of time, a lion fell in love with a princess and had a son.

More about Myanmar

Bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand, Myanmar is a land of great beauty full of golden pagodas. Previously known as Burma, the country has had a turbulent history yet it has still retained its mysticism and charm.

An oxymoron - gold mother of pearl

While our buttons are of an exceptional pearlescent white, they can have a variety of different colours crossing their surface. Dominating the colour possibilities is, amazingly, gold.

Meet the Kanukama's button makers

A talented team of skilled craftsmen transform the oyster shell into works of art. As well as creating our wonderful mother of pearl buttons, they also make tableware, coasters, soap dishes - even an ox and cart.

Kanukama – where imperfections are perfections

Our mother of pearl buttons are handcrafted from the inside of an oyster shell so no two are alike.

Turning craggy oyster shells into glistening pearl buttons

Making Kanukama's mother of pearl buttons is a long, time consuming process. They are all made by hand using simple tools to shape, carve and polish them.

Yangon – the inspiration behind our carved buttons

Yangon is Myanmar’s largest city – pulsating with change and opportunities. It is the heart of the country and was once the capital until Nay Pyi Taw was built by the previous government.

Inle Lake – inspiring our collection of mother of pearl button flowers

Inle Lake is serene and stunning. Fringed by hills, marshes and rice paddies, this 13.5 mile lake is home to the Intha people who live in stilt houses.

Myanmar – a land of oysters

Myanmar has been farming oysters for their pearls and shells for centuries in the crystal waters found around the 800 unspoiled islands of the Myeik Archipelago.

Bagan - inspiration for our square mother of pearl buttons

The dramatic stillness and timeless beauty of Bagan’s red brick temples is the inspiration behind the square-shaped mother of pearl buttons of the Bagan Square Collection.

Ancient Amarapura - inspiring our collection of round mother of pearl buttons

Located just outside of Mandalay is Amarapura, the royal capital of Myanmar during 1783 to 1821 and 1842 to 1859. Its name means city of immortality.

Kanukama - the largest mother of pearl buttons in the UK

Kanukama has the largest mother of pearl buttons for sale in the UK as they come from the largest pearl-bearing oyster in the world, the Pinctada maxima.

Your Order