1980s Rare Emilia Castillo Silver-Plated Pitcher With Onyx & Jasper Birds

Details

Description

A rare and whimsical large silver-plated water pitcher designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico by renowned artist Emilia Castillo, celebrated … Read more A rare and whimsical large silver-plated water pitcher designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico by renowned artist Emilia Castillo, celebrated for her sculptural tableware and her continuation of the Castillo family’s legendary silversmithing tradition. Unlike mass-produced hollowware, Castillo’s pieces are individually hand-formed, stone-inlaid, and uniquely expressive—making each example a collectible work of functional art.

This striking pitcher is crafted in solid brass, then silver plated, with a beautifully hammered surface that catches the light from every angle. Perched playfully on the rim and on the top of the curved handle sit two sculptural birds, inlaid in black onyx and yellow jasper—a signature combination in Castillo’s nature-inspired design language. Their carved forms add dimension, charm, and unmistakable personality.

The pitcher retains its original hallmark:
“Emilia Castillo – Mexico M.R. – TO-85 – Plateado”

Pieces of this scale and motif are extremely rare. This is the only example of this exact model we have encountered on the market, underscoring its desirability for collectors of Taxco modernism, organic contemporary design, and the Castillo artistic lineage stemming from Antonio Castillo and the Taller de Los Castillo tradition.

Perfect For
Interior designers seeking a sculptural statement object
Collectors of Emilia Castillo, Los Castillo, and Taxco decorative arts
Modern, eclectic, or nature-inspired interiors
Display on bars, consoles, dining rooms, or as a functional serving vessel

Measurements
Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)
Width: 9.50 in (24.13 cm) including handle
Depth: 4.50 in (11.43 cm)

Condition
Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear to the silver plating and minor surface marks typical of handcrafted Taxco metalwork.

A joyful and incredibly hard-to-find example of Emilia Castillo’s whimsical and collectible craftsmanship—a true one-of-a-kind piece of Mexican design history. See less