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Finely Hand-Painted "Everlasting Silver Leaves" Souvenir from Cape Town, South Africa

Silver leaves were often preserved as souvenirs for western tourists in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to their beauty and strong association with the region, but the plant itself is listed as "vulnerable" and is protected by the government today.

Cape Town, South Africa: c.1900. A very fine souvenir, purchased by a Western tourist visiting Cape Town, South Africa, and containing three finely hand-painted "Everlasting Silver Leaves" from the slopes of Table Mountain. The "Silver Leaves", which remain here in remarkably preserved condition, were harvested from the Leucadendron argenteum tree, known in Afrikaans as "Witteboom" or "Silwerboom". They have been secured with a bright blue ribbon, and hand-painted with watercolor with the message "Many Happy Returns of the day", with a thistle painted in the middle leaf. The outside of the souvenir is printed and embossed in gold. Opposite the silver leaves is a colorized photo reproduction of Victoria Road near Cape Town. Bifolium measuring approx. 5" by 6" Very good. Minor dust soiling.

Price: $400.00

Item #18000732