1980s Emilia Castillo Silver-Plated Serving Tray With Fish Handles & Abalone Inlay

Details

Description

Striking vintage serving tray designed and manufactured in the 1980s by Emilia Castillo in Taxco, Mexico, crafted in solid brass … Read more Striking vintage serving tray designed and manufactured in the 1980s by Emilia Castillo in Taxco, Mexico, crafted in solid brass with a silver-plated finish and richly adorned with natural stones, including abalone and mother-of-pearl. The tray features a deeply hand-hammered surface and sculptural stylized fish-form handles, creating a powerful visual and symbolic statement.

In Mexican and Mesoamerican tradition, fish and sea imagery are associated with abundance, protection, renewal, and the life-giving force of water. Coastal cultures have long viewed fish as guardians of prosperity and symbols of fluid movement between worlds—land and sea, material and spiritual. In this piece, the fish handles appear to emerge organically from the tray, evoking guardianship and balance while framing the vessel with mythic resonance.

The shimmering abalone and mother-of-pearl inlays further enhance this symbolism, reflecting light in iridescent tones reminiscent of ocean surfaces and sacred offerings. These elements, combined with the hammered silver-plated brass, exemplify Castillo’s masterful ability to merge traditional Mexican silversmithing techniques with contemporary sculptural design.

Both functional and decorative, this tray serves equally well as a serving piece, centerpiece, or display object, making it ideal for collectors of Mexican modern design, Taxco silver, and post-war decorative arts.

The piece retains its original Emilia Castillo hallmark, confirming authenticity and origin.

Details
Designer: Emilia Castillo
Origin: Taxco, Mexico
Period: 1980s
Materials: Solid brass, silver plate, abalone, mother-of-pearl
Motif: Stylized fish handles
Surface: Hand-hammered texture
Markings: Emilia Castillo / Mexico / M.R. / Plateado / TO-85

Measurements;
Width: 20.75 in
Depth: 12.00 in
Height: 2.00 in See less