1960s Mexican Alpaca Silver & Abalone Water Pitcher Set After Los Castillo

Details

Description

A striking and sculptural water pitcher with six matching cups and saucers, crafted in Mexico in the 1950s in alpaca … Read more A striking and sculptural water pitcher with six matching cups and saucers, crafted in Mexico in the 1950s in alpaca silver (German silver) and richly inlaid with luminescent abalone shell. Designed after the style of Los Castillo, this vintage set captures the spirit of mid-century Taxco craftsmanship—bold, organic, and distinctly modern.

The pitcher’s tall, tapered form is clad in meticulously fitted abalone tiles, creating a mosaic of iridescent greens, pinks, violets, and pearl tones. The matching cups and saucers echo this shimmering façade, each piece showcasing hand-cut sections of shell framed in silver. More than tableware, the ensemble reads as functional sculpture, reflecting the era’s fascination with natural materials, handcraft, and elegant modernism.

All pieces are labeled “Hecho en Mexico, Alpaca,” indicating high-quality Mexican artisan production in the Los Castillo tradition. Sets of this scale and condition are increasingly rare and highly collectible.

Ideal for collectors of Mexican silverwork, admirers of Los Castillo-influenced design, and interior designers seeking a dramatic statement piece for barware or display.

MEASUREMENTS

Pitcher
8.50 in high × 6 in wide (with handle) × 4.50 in deep
(21.59 cm high × 15.24 cm wide × 11.43 cm deep)

Cups (each)
1.50 in high × 3.75 in wide (with handle) × 2.25 in diameter
(3.81 cm high × 9.52 cm wide × 5.72 cm diameter)

Saucers (each)
3.25 in diameter × 0.25 in high
(8.25 cm diameter × 0.63 cm high)

DETAILS
Origin: Mexico
Period: 1950s
Materials: Alpaca silver (German silver), abalone shell inlay
Marks: “Hecho en Mexico, Alpaca” See less