Mid 20th Century Los Castillo Taxco Malachite Silver Plate Lidded Bowl, Mexican Modernist Silver

Details

Description

An exceptional mid-century Los Castillo lidded bowl, handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico during the 1950s, showcasing the workshop's celebrated mastery of … Read more An exceptional mid-century Los Castillo lidded bowl, handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico during the 1950s, showcasing the workshop's celebrated mastery of sculptural silverwork and stone inlay. This substantial decorative vessel features a beautifully hand-hammered silver-plated brass body with a dramatic domed form, accented by a continuous band of richly variegated malachite mosaic. The alternating convex silver panels create a rhythmic architectural silhouette that exemplifies the bold modernist aesthetic for which Los Castillo became internationally renowned.

The underside retains its original workshop hallmark reading "Los Castillo, Taxco, TA-01, Plateado, Hecho en Mexico" along with production number #14, confirming its authenticity and early manufacture.

Founded by Antonio Castillo, one of the legendary Castillo brothers, the Los Castillo workshop emerged as one of the most influential silver studios in Taxco following the formative years spent working alongside William Spratling, widely regarded as the father of modern Mexican silver design. Together with contemporaries such as Hector Aguilar, Margot de Taxco, Antonio Pineda, and Sigi Pineda, Los Castillo helped establish Taxco as the world's premier center for modernist silver craftsmanship. Their work is celebrated for combining pre-Columbian inspiration, organic sculptural forms, and innovative mixed-media techniques using natural stones such as malachite, turquoise, coral, and abalone.

This bowl beautifully illustrates that philosophy. The deep green malachite provides a striking contrast against the luminous hammered silver surface, while the rounded lobed form recalls both botanical and architectural influences. The result is a piece that functions equally well as a decorative centerpiece, covered vessel, or sculptural object.

Highly desirable for collectors of Mexican modernism, Taxco silver, and mid-century decorative arts, this impressive vessel also makes an exceptional statement in contemporary interiors. Its sculptural presence complements projects by interior designers working with Jean-Michel Frank, Karl Springer, Vladimir Kagan, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Gabriella Crespi, Karl Springer, Maison Jansen, and Pierre Cardin, while adding the warmth and craftsmanship of handcrafted Mexican silver to both traditional and modern environments.

The bowl remains in good vintage condition consistent with age and use. The malachite mosaic exhibits expected age-related wear, including scattered surface wear and several stable cracks, which do not detract from its visual impact or structural integrity. The silver-plated finish retains an attractive aged patina with no visible silver loss.

Measurements

Width: 8.25 in.
Depth: 8.25 in.
Height: 6 in.

A rare and highly decorative example from one of Taxco's most important silversmithing ateliers, representing the enduring legacy of Mexico's golden age of modern silver design. See less