1980s Large Silver & Abalone Madonna Sculpture by Emilia Castillo for Los Castillo

Details

Description

A striking mixed-media sculpture by Emilia Castillo for the renowned Los Castillo workshop in Taxco, celebrated for its mastery of … Read more A striking mixed-media sculpture by Emilia Castillo for the renowned Los Castillo workshop in Taxco, celebrated for its mastery of modern Mexican silversmithing. This sculptural figure—reminiscent of a Madonna or cloaked female form—exemplifies the studio’s signature fusion of traditional hand-wrought metalwork with organic, natural materials.

Crafted in silver-plated metal and meticulously inlaid with iridescent abalone shell, the piece features a flowing, abstract silhouette with a faceless head and softly draped cloak. The surface is entirely clad in a luminous shell mosaic, producing shifting tones of green, violet, blue, and pearl that change beautifully with the light. The circular base, also accented with abalone inlay, visually anchors the sculpture and unifies the composition in both color and texture.

Abstract yet deeply emotive, this work bridges spiritual symbolism and modern design, reflecting the innovative vision that defined Los Castillo’s most collectible creations. An exceptional decorative object for collectors of Latin American decorative arts, Mexican modernism, or mid-century silver sculpture, equally compelling as a devotional form or a sculptural statement in a curated interior.

Notably, this example is larger than most known versions, making it an especially rare and desirable scale for collectors of Taxco silver, religious modernism, and sculptural decorative arts. The piece retains its original Los Castillo hallmark, stamped:

Los Castillo – Taxco – Hand Wrought – Hecho en Mexico – #400


Details
Designer: Emilia Castillo
Manufacturer: Los Castillo
Origin: Taxco, Mexico
Materials: Silver-plated brass, natural abalone shell
Technique: Hand wrought, shell inlay

Measurements;
Height: 13.5 in
Width: 6 in
Depth: 4.5 in
Base Diameter: 4 in

Markings: Original Los Castillo hallmark (#400) See less