1980s Emilia Castillo Sculptural Parrot Center Bowl in Jasper & Silver-Plate, Mexico

Details

Description

A monumental and sculptural silver-plated serving bowl designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico by renowned artist Emilia Castillo, celebrated … Read more A monumental and sculptural silver-plated serving bowl designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico by renowned artist Emilia Castillo, celebrated for her imaginative metalwork and distinctive use of inlaid natural stones. This impressive pedestal-form bowl features two perched parrot sculptures, each meticulously inlaid with rich red jasper stone and accented with brass beaks—a signature combination of organic materials and refined craft that defines Castillo’s work.

Made in solid copper and later silver plated, the bowl displays a beautifully hammered surface with deep lobed fluting and a dramatic flared foot. The parrots add playful movement and sculptural presence, making the piece equally suited as a functional serving bowl or a striking decorative centerpiece. The bowl shows expected wear, tarnish, and plating loss, consistent with age and use, as documented in the photographs.

The underside retains the full Emilia Castillo hallmark, reading:
Emilia Castillo, Mexico, M.R. TO-85, Plateado.

About Emilia Castillo

Daughter of Antonio Castillo, one of the founders of the legendary Los Castillo workshop, Emilia represents the second generation of an extraordinary silversmithing legacy in Taxco. Los Castillo was fundamental in shaping what is now regarded as one of the most important artistic and artisanal movements in Mexico—known for innovation in silver, mixed metals, and the incorporation of stones, shells, and decorative inlays. Emilia continues this tradition with a contemporary and whimsical sensibility, blending the techniques inherited from Taxco’s golden age of silversmithing with her own artistic voice.

Her work, highly coveted by collectors and designers worldwide, reflects the enduring influence of the Taxco modernist tradition and the exceptional craftsmanship associated with the Castillo family.

Measurements
18 in high (to top of birds)
12.75 in high (to rim)
19.75 in wide (including birds)
16.25 in diameter

An exceptional example of Mexican modernist silverwork, ideal for collectors of Emilia Castillo, enthusiasts of Taxco design, and interior designers seeking a bold, sculptural statement piece with true artisanal heritage. See less