Paulownia leaf platter by Christofle, silver plated, c.1880

Platter in shape of paulownia leaf realized with the "natural prints" (Empreintes naturelles* in French) patented by Christofle in 1880 consisting in applying the natural leave on the silver-plated to print its detail on it.
Lovely reliefs and curved handle.

Christofle stamp and item numbered 1443056. Rare work of the silversmith, some items created with this natural prints technique are visible in the Musée d'Orsay.