Emilia Castillo Verdigris Bronze Frog & Lily Pad Motif Table

Details

Description

Emilia Castillo Verdigris Bronze Frog & Lily Pad Table with Beveled Glass

A sculptural two-part table by Emilia Castillo, comprising … Read more Emilia Castillo Verdigris Bronze Frog & Lily Pad Table with Beveled Glass

A sculptural two-part table by Emilia Castillo, comprising a cast bronze and iron base with a custom oval beveled glass top. Executed in the artist’s signature organic idiom, the piece presents a lyrical composition of lily pads and frogs rendered with both naturalism and decorative refinement.

The hand-worked base is constructed with elegantly arched supports joined by a central ring, from which extend four radiating arms terminating in finely pierced lily pad forms. Each leaf is richly patinated in variegated verdigris tones—soft greens layered with warm undertones—highlighting the delicately incised veining and sculptural depth. Small applied bronze frogs perch atop the leaves, animating the structure with a sense of quiet movement and playful vitality.

Beyond its visual appeal, the motif carries symbolic resonance. In many traditions, frogs signify transformation, renewal, and abundance, closely tied to water and cycles of life, while lily pads evoke serenity, growth, and the threshold between surface and depth. Together, they create a poetic, almost narrative tableau—an aquatic microcosm translated into functional form.

This interplay of symbolism and craftsmanship is characteristic of Castillo’s workshop in Taxco, Mexico, where traditional metalworking techniques are elevated through a distinctly modern, nature-inspired design language. The dark oxidized frame provides a structural counterpoint to the luminous verdigris surfaces, balancing strength with delicacy.

Retaining its original beveled glass top, the table reads as both furnishing and sculpture. Its slightly elevated proportions lend versatility, functioning equally well as a center table, occasional table, or focal point within a seating arrangement.

Dimensions:
Overall: 59.5" W x 36" D x 32" H
Base: 41" W x 27.5" D x 31" H

Condition:
Good vintage condition with desirable age-appropriate patina to the bronze elements. Minor wear consistent with use. Glass top with light surface wear.

A compelling example of late 20th-century Mexican design, this piece bridges craftsmanship, symbolism, and sculptural presence—imbuing a functional object with a sense of narrative and atmosphere. See less