Facsimile Cup Of The Hildesheim Treasure By Christofle, Circa 1880

Facsimile cup of the Hildesheim Treasure by Christofle. This cup is a replica (facsimile), made in electroplating, of the treasure discovered in Hildesheim. It was produced by Christofle and is decorated in the center with a three-dimensional sculpture of the goddess Minerva seated, her shield under her left arm, holding a plow in her right hand. An owl perches on a nearby rock. The rim is decorated with a frieze of palmettes alternating with acanthus flowers. The outer shell of the bowl is decorated with a frieze of laurel leaves, and the handles are adorned with acanthus leaves. Slight wear to the silver plating on the interior is visible in the photograph.