1970s Wolmar Castillo "Peacock" Creamer, Sugar Pot & Ladle W/ Malachite & Lapis Inlay

Details

Description

Exceptional Mexican Modernist creamer and covered sugar set by Wolmar Castillo, created in Mexico circa 1970s and distinguished by elaborate … Read more Exceptional Mexican Modernist creamer and covered sugar set by Wolmar Castillo, created in Mexico circa 1970s and distinguished by elaborate peacock-form handles, malachite and lapis lazuli stone inlay, silver-plated copper construction, and sculptural mixed-metal detailing.

Wolmar Castillo belongs to one of the most important families in the history of 20th-century Mexican silver and decorative arts. He is the youngest son of Antonio Castillo, founder of the celebrated Los Castillo workshop, and a member of the next generation of the Castillo family to continue its influential silversmithing tradition. Wolmar later worked under his own name, Wolmar Castillo Silversmiths, developing highly recognizable decorative objects that carried forward the family's fascination with combining metalwork, natural stones, and figurative motifs.

This remarkable 3-piece service is an especially decorative example of that tradition. Each vessel is formed in solid copper with a silver-plated surface and incorporates a dramatic stylized peacock whose sweeping tail wraps around the body, effectively transforming the functional handle into a continuous sculptural element.

The broad tails are richly inlaid with green malachite and deep blue lapis lazuli, creating a striking contrast against the polished silver-colored metal. Additional oval lapis cabochon-style inlays punctuate the sweeping tail design, while each dimensional peacock rises above the handle with finely modeled and textured plumage. The birds' elongated tail feathers extending across the top of the handles are also inset with lapis lazuli.

The covered vessel is finished with a contrasting copper lid and spherical malachite finial, adding another layer of color and materiality to the composition. A matching serving spoon/ladle accompanies the set.

Dimensions:
Each vessel measures approximately 5.50 in. high × 5.50 in. wide (including the peacock tail/handle) × 3.50 in. deep.

The accompanying ladle measures approximately 5.50 in. long × 1 in. wide × 1 in. high.
The combination of silver plate, copper, malachite, lapis lazuli and sculptural animal imagery is quintessentially Mexican and closely associated with the artistic vocabulary developed by the Castillo family and the broader Taxco modernist metalworking tradition. Wolmar's work is particularly compelling because it bridges functional tableware and sculpture—ordinary domestic objects become expressive works of decorative art.

Both pieces retain the Wolmar Castillo Silversmiths hallmark, reading “Wolmar Castillo Silversmiths, Plateado #1,” providing an important identifying mark for collectors.

For interior designers, architects and collectors of Mexican Modernism, this set has exceptional decorative presence. It would be particularly effective displayed on a bar, dining room credenza, cocktail table, library cabinet or within a curated collection of Taxco silver, Los Castillo, William Spratling, Hector Aguilar, Antonio Pineda, Emilia Castillo or Mexican mid-century decorative arts.

The sculptural peacocks and saturated blue-green stonework also make the pieces highly successful as standalone decorative objects rather than simply serving pieces. The set represents the sophisticated intersection of Mexican craftsmanship, mid-century modern design, semi-precious stone inlay and collectible Taxco metalwork that has made the Castillo family's work so desirable among collectors.

Vintage condition consistent with age and use. The pieces retain their original character and patina and show scattered surface scratches, areas of mild silver-plate loss, oxidation/tarnish and general wear. The copper lid displays natural oxidation and patination. Please refer to the photographs for additional condition details. See less