Circa 2005 Mexican Bronzed Hojalata (Tin Art Work) & Talavera Tile Mirror - Hangs Vertically or Horizontally

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Description

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 31½” x 23½” x 1” H/W/D or 23½” x 31½” x 1” H/W/D if hung horizontally. The inset mirror if hung vertically measures 21¼” x 13¼” H/W or 13¼” x 21¼” H/W if hung horizontally. Weight is approximately 12 to 15 lbs. The center mirror is framed with an all-around border which features inset hand painted Talavera tiles with a floral motif in marigold and assorted shades of green and blue hues with hints of white. Handcrafted from heavy gauge tin with a motif that is a mixture of foliates, vines and punched floral medallions; circular openings on the backside allow you to hang the mirror vertically or horizontally. In excellent condition with age-appropriate wear that includes some areas of oxidation (see all photos, please) which in no way affects its beauty or utility. There is one black dot within the mirrored glass surface that is indiscernible which I could not capture in a photo. Handcrafted sometime in 2005 by an unknown artisan in San Miguel de Allende.

This beauty is ready to make a statement wherever placed, from hanging vertically on a slender feature wall or horizontally on a wide breezeway or entryway wall or in an outdoor space such as a screened-in patio.

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