Los Castillo Taxco Silver Plate Malachite & Lapis Catchall Dish, Mexico 1960s

Details

Description

A striking example of mid-century Mexican Modernist metalwork, this sculptural Los Castillo catchall dish was designed and handcrafted in Taxco, … Read more A striking example of mid-century Mexican Modernist metalwork, this sculptural Los Castillo catchall dish was designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico, circa 1960s. The piece combines the fluid, organic forms for which the celebrated Taxco workshop became known with a dramatic arched handle richly inlaid with a mosaic of malachite and lapis lazuli.

The substantial dish is crafted from solid brass with a polished silver-plated finish, creating a highly reflective surface that emphasizes its asymmetric, biomorphic silhouette. The integrated handle rises dramatically above the bowl, functioning as both a practical element and a sculptural focal point. Individual pieces of blue lapis lazuli and green malachite are arranged across the handle in a mosaic-like composition, providing a beautiful contrast against the polished silver-colored metal.

For interior designers, architects and collectors of Mexican Modernism, this piece works particularly well as a decorative catchall, vide-poche, jewelry dish, desk accessory, console-table object or sculptural centerpiece. Its compact scale makes it especially useful for layering into a curated interior alongside Mexican Modernist furniture, contemporary art, Brutalist objects, or other works from the golden age of Taxco silver design.

Los Castillo and the Taxco Silver Renaissance

Los Castillo occupies an important position in the history of 20th-century Mexican decorative arts. The workshop was established in Taxco in 1939 by brothers Antonio, Miguel, Justo and Jorge Castillo Terán, who had trained in the influential workshop of William Spratling. Spratling's Taller de las Delicias played a central role in revitalizing Taxco's silver industry and establishing the city as an internationally recognized center of modern Mexican design.

Under the leadership of Antonio "Tony" Castillo, the family workshop developed its own distinctive design vocabulary, combining traditional Mexican craftsmanship with Modernist forms, pre-Columbian influences, mixed metals, stone, shell and mosaic inlay. The Castillo family became particularly associated with inventive combinations of materials and techniques that distinguished their work from conventional Mexican silver production.

The family's history also intersects with another major figure of Taxco design: Margot van Voorhies Carr, better known as Margot de Taxco, was married to Antonio Castillo before establishing her celebrated independent workshop following their divorce.

This network of designers and workshops helped establish Taxco as one of the most important centers of 20th-century Mexican Modernist jewelry and decorative arts.

The underside of this example retains its original stamped Los Castillo Taxco hallmark, including:

Los Castillo / Taxco / TA-01 / Hecho en Mexico / Plateado / 250

The original hallmark and model information make the piece particularly appealing to collectors seeking documented vintage Los Castillo Taxco decorative objects.

Measurements:
8.25 in. wide × 5.75 in. deep × 3 in. high.

Condition:
Good vintage condition consistent with age and use. The silver-plated surface displays scattered scratches, light surface wear and minor oxidation/tarnishing. There is a localized area of stone loss to the mosaic-inlaid handle, clearly documented in the photographs. The remaining malachite and lapis lazuli inlay displays attractive natural variations in color and texture.

An expressive and highly decorative example of 1960s Mexican Modernism, ideal for sophisticated residential, hospitality or commercial interiors and particularly compelling when paired with works by William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Antonio Pineda, Hector Aguilar, Salvador Terán and other important figures associated with the Taxco silver movement. See less