Late 20th-Century Mexican Bronzed Hojalata (Tin Art Work) & Stamped Terracotta Tile Mirror - Hangs Vertically or Horizontally

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Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

Did you know that Mexican hojalata (tin work) dates back to the 16th century colonial period? Many … Read more Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

Did you know that Mexican hojalata (tin work) dates back to the 16th century colonial period? Many credit San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato as the birthplace of hojalata. As the story goes, Aucensio Llamas moved to San Miguel de Allende from Jerez Zacatecas in 1910. For 25 years he made utilitarian items from tin such as milk cans, oil lamps and colanders, for making atole. It was in the late 1930s to early 1940s that San Miguel de Allende’s hojalata evolved from humble utilitarian wares to decorative artisanal pieces. In San Miguel de Allende, the heavy gauge tin goes through an aging or oxidization process first. This gives the tin a bronzed patina effect, as opposed to tin ware from the Tonalá, Jalisco region which more often (but not always) is utilized in its natural shiny state. Once oxidized, the heavy gauge tin is hand cut, shaped and pounded then stamped and/or punched to form many intricate and elaborate functional works of art. This beauty’s frame if hung vertically measures 33¼” x 17” x 1½” H/W/D or 17” x 33¼” x 1½” H/W/D if hung horizontally. The inset mirror if hung vertically measures 22¾” x 6¼” H/W or 6¼” x 22¾” H/W if hung horizontally. Weight is approximately 10 to 12 lbs. Handcrafted from heavy gauge aged/oxidized tin with a gorgeous oxidized bronzed/coffee patina of varying hues and intensity. Motif is a mixture of foliates and vines. Tiles are handcrafted from stamped terracotta with a sun face design. In excellent condition with age-appropriate wear. There are two circular openings on the backside for hanging horizontally or vertically using a nail. There is no makers mark but this beauty was handcrafted in San Miguel de Allende sometime in the 1990s. This striking beauty is ready to make a statement wherever placed, from hanging on vertically on a slender feature wall or horizontally on a long breezeway or entryway wall.

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