Eighteenth / Nineteenth Century - Set of Three Silver Cufflinks or to a Zupan.

Set of three silver buttons used on Polish national costume of kontusz or żupan type. Good condition as shown in the photo. The kontusz button is a distinctive element of the traditional costume of the Polish nobility, being a decorative fastener of the kontusz belt. The kontusz, which is a flared outer coat with characteristic slits on the sleeves, was one of the most important elements of Polish national costume in the 17th and 18th centuries. The button served both a practical function, fastening the kontusz at the waist, and a decorative one, being a symbol of the status and wealth of the wearer.The history of the kontusz button dates back to the times of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, when fashion among the nobility drew on oriental influences, especially from Turkey and Persia. The button, often made of metal (usually silver, less often gold) and decorated with intricate ornaments, engravings or precious stones, was intended to emphasize the dignity of the kontusz and attract attention. Over time, its form evolved, from simpler designs to more elaborate ones, depending on the era and the taste of the owner.In the 18th century, the kontusz guz reached the peak of its popularity and artistic craftsmanship. It was not only an element of dress, but also a form of expression of national identity, especially in view of the disappearance of Poland's political independence after the partitions. After the fall of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the kontusz and its elements, including the guz, gradually went out of everyday use, becoming more of a national symbol and a prop used during patriotic ceremonies.Today, the kontusz guz, preserved in museum collections or private collections, is a valued monument of artistic craftsmanship, reminding us of the old traditions of the noble Republic and its rich material culture.