Sight and touch are the senses most associated with dress - we are beguiled by the colours, shapes, textures and movement of what is worn. We seldom need our sense of hearing to observe dress, except perhaps to catch the creak of leather or the rustle of silk. But the purely decorative buttons on this sombre waistcoat are truly musical. Individually they are silent, but placed together they jostle with their neighbour and tinkle and clang like alpine cowbells. Silent, stealthy movement is impossible. Each button’s smooth, rounded underside contrasts sharply with the dull coils and chains of wire that cover its top and that encase small shiny beads. The light that glints from the beads appears to be absorbed by the fine black felt from which the waistcoat is made. felt; W, wool, 1800s, German Waistcoat, possibly for a child, felt embroidered with silk cord and trimmed with metal buttons