Details
Description
Striking vintage serving tray designed and manufactured in the 1980s by Emilia Castillo in Taxco, Mexico, crafted in solid brass …
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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
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- Dimensions
- 12ʺW × 20.75ʺD × 2ʺH
- Designer
- Emilia Castillo
- Period
- 1980s
- Country of Origin
- Mexico
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Brass
- Mother-of-Pearl
- Silver
- Condition
- Good Condition, Unknown, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Silver
- Condition Notes
- Good vintage condition. No visible silver loss. Mild surface nicks and scratches consistent with age and careful use. Stones are … moreGood vintage condition. No visible silver loss. Mild surface nicks and scratches consistent with age and careful use. Stones are intact and securely set. Overall, a well-preserved and visually compelling example. less
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Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
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