1980s Malachite Lizard Creamer & Sugar Set by Emilia Castillo for Los Castillo, Mexico

Details

Description

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern silver-plated creamer and covered sugar bowl designed by Emilia Castillo for the renowned Los Castillo workshop … Read more An exceptional Mid-Century Modern silver-plated creamer and covered sugar bowl designed by Emilia Castillo for the renowned Los Castillo workshop in Taxco, Mexico. This sculptural three-piece service, complete with its original matching spoon, exemplifies Castillo's celebrated ability to blend Mexican craftsmanship with whimsical organic forms.

The creamer is distinguished by an exquisitely sculpted lizard-form handle featuring richly polished malachite stone inlay, with finely detailed feet, textured underside, and elegantly curved tail that embraces the vessel. The coordinating sugar bowl continues the nature-inspired theme with a sculptural lizard wrapping around the body, while the original serving spoon is crowned with a delicate dragonfly motif, also accented with matching malachite inlay. The rounded, hand-hammered forms and mirror-polished silver-plated finish create a striking balance between functional design and sculptural artistry.

Crafted in silver-plated brass, each piece bears the Los Castillo, Taxco, Mexico, TA-01, Plateado hallmark, confirming its authenticity and production by one of Mexico's most respected silversmithing workshops.

Founded by Antonio Castillo, one of the original artisans who worked alongside William Spratling, Los Castillo became one of the most influential workshops in the history of Mexican silver design. Following his departure from Spratling's atelier in the late 1930s, Antonio Castillo established Los Castillo in Taxco, where the workshop became internationally recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative mixed-metal techniques, and incorporation of natural materials including malachite, turquoise, lapis lazuli, azurite, abalone, and hardstones. During the mid-20th century, Los Castillo helped define the Mexican Modern aesthetic, elevating Taxco into one of the world's foremost centers for artistic silversmithing.

Designer Emilia Castillo carried this legacy forward by introducing imaginative sculptural forms inspired by the natural world, creating highly collectible works that seamlessly merge fine metalwork with organic design. Her pieces remain among the most sought-after examples of late 20th-century Mexican decorative arts.

Equally suited for entertaining or display, this charming set complements Mexican Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Organic Modern, Hollywood Regency, Contemporary, and Southwestern interiors, while standing as a superb example of Taxco's internationally celebrated silversmithing tradition.

Measurements
Creamer: 3.50 in. H × 4.50 in. W × 3.75 in. D
Sugar Bowl: 3 in. H × 4 in. Diameter
Spoon: 5.75 in. L

Condition

Vintage condition with light surface scratches, minor wear, and a warm patina consistent with age and use. The silver-plated finish retains an attractive luster, while the malachite inlay shows nicks and wear. The spoon is original to the set and marked to match. See less