1960s Hammered Silver Tray With Malachite Handle by Los Castillo, Mexican Modernism

Details

Description

A sculptural 1950s hammered silver-plate serving tray designed and handcrafted by the renowned Los Castillo workshop in Taxco, Mexico, one … Read more A sculptural 1950s hammered silver-plate serving tray designed and handcrafted by the renowned Los Castillo workshop in Taxco, Mexico, one of the most influential silversmithing ateliers of the 20th century. The tray features a beautifully contoured organic form and a dramatic arched handle inlaid with natural malachite stone, a hallmark of the studio’s innovative pairing of metals with semiprecious inlays.

This example bears the full Los Castillo hallmark to the underside of the handle, reading:
Los Castillo, Taxco, TA-01, Plateado, Hecho en Mexico, #102.

The hammered surface gives the tray a rich, tactile texture, characteristic of early Los Castillo workmanship, while the bold malachite handle introduces color, elegance, and the workshop’s signature fusion of traditional Mexican craft with modernist design.

Though the tray presents beautifully, it does show a loss to the final segment of the malachite inlay at the end of the handle, consistent with age and use.

About Los Castillo

Founded in 1939 by brothers Antonio, Jorge, Miguel, and Justo Castillo, the Los Castillo workshop became one of the most important forces in the Taxco silversmithing movement, advancing both Mexican modernism and traditional metalwork techniques. Their early work helped define Taxco as an international center of design excellence—often collaborating with or influencing figures such as William Spratling, Hector Aguilar, and Margot de Taxco.
Known for technical mastery, bold forms, and inventive use of inlaid stone, shell, and mixed metals, Los Castillo remains highly collected and respected worldwide.

Measurements:
Width: 16.50 in
Depth: 13.50 in
Height: 2.50 in

A striking mid-century piece for collectors of Mexican silver, aficionados of Taxco design, and interior designers seeking a distinctive handcrafted accent with strong sculptural presence. See less