1960s Los Castillo Taxco Silver Plate Tripod Catchall With Lapis & Azurite Stone Inlay

Details

Description

A sculptural Mexican Modernist tripod catchall or decorative bowl by Los Castillo, handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico, circa 1960s. An exceptional … Read more A sculptural Mexican Modernist tripod catchall or decorative bowl by Los Castillo, handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico, circa 1960s. An exceptional example of mid-century Mexican metalwork, the piece combines a fluid, biomorphic form with the rich material contrasts for which the legendary Taxco workshop became celebrated.

The shallow free-form vessel is crafted in solid brass with a silver-plated finish, raised upon three polished spherical feet. Along the curved perimeter, individually fitted sections of lapis lazuli and azurite stone create a striking mosaic-like border in deep blue, turquoise, green and earthy mineral tones. The irregular coloration and natural variations of the stones provide a beautiful counterpoint to the highly reflective silver-plated surface.

Los Castillo occupies an important position in the history of 20th-century Mexican Modernist design and the Taxco silver renaissance. The workshop was established in 1939 by brothers Antonio, Jorge, Justo and Miguel Castillo, who had trained and worked at William Spratling's influential Taller de Las Delicias before establishing their own atelier.

Spratling's Taxco workshop became a catalyst for the revival of modern Mexican silversmithing, producing a generation of important designers that included the Castillo brothers, Héctor Aguilar, Antonio Pineda and Salvador Terán.

Los Castillo developed a distinctive design vocabulary that pushed traditional Mexican silverwork toward a more experimental form of Mexican Modernism, incorporating sculptural silhouettes, mixed metals, semiprecious stones and references to Mexico's artistic heritage. Today, works by the atelier are highly collectible examples of the extraordinary creative period that established Taxco as an internationally recognized center of modern silver design.

This particular piece is especially appealing for contemporary interiors because of its low, architectural profile and rich mineral palette. For interior designers and collectors, it works beautifully as a coffee-table object, console accessory, entryway catchall, jewelry tray, desk accessory or standalone decorative object. Its combination of polished metal and saturated stone makes it particularly effective in both restrained contemporary spaces and layered Mid-Century Modern interiors.

The underside retains the original workshop markings, including “Los Castillo,” “Taxco,” “TA-01,” “Plateado,” “Hecho en Mexico,” and model/production number 262.

Condition
Vintage condition consistent with age and use. The piece displays surface scratches and wear throughout, areas of silver-plating loss, oxidation and patination to the metal and stone-set border, and general age-related wear. The Los Castillo hallmark remains visible but is partially faded/worn. The natural stones exhibit variations in color, texture and surface consistent with the materials and age. Please refer closely to the photographs for condition. See less