
Acanthus is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, native to tropical and warm temperate regions, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean Basin and Asia. Since ancient times, it has typically been used as a stylised decorative element in a vertical position, particularly in the Corinthian order’s architectural capitals.

Regarding silverware, the design can be found on several hollow ware pieces that are repeatedly employed to create a band around the calyx of the piece. It was a well-known aspect of the RENAISSANCE STYLE, and later of the neo-classical style, the Adam style, and once more the regency style. The leaf, whose form changes over time, can be found as either applied or embossed decoration.
Sources
Newman, H. (2000). An illustrated dictionary of silverware: 2,373 entries, relating to British and North American wares, decorative techniques and styles, and leading designers and makers, principally from c.1500 to the present. Thames & Hudson.
Wikipedia contributors. (2021, November 27). Acanthus (plant). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 00:52, July 25, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Acanthus_(plant)&oldid=1057374738