Vintage Los Castillo Taxco Silver Plate, Malachite & Lapis Lazuli Water Pitcher

Details

Description

A striking vintage Mexican silver plate water pitcher by Los Castillo of Taxco, distinguished by a sculptural silhouette and a … Read more A striking vintage Mexican silver plate water pitcher by Los Castillo of Taxco, distinguished by a sculptural silhouette and a beautifully inlaid malachite and lapis lazuli handle. This sophisticated example of Mexican Modernist metalwork combines the luminous quality of polished silver plate with the saturated blue and green tones of natural stone.

The pitcher features a broad, rounded body that tapers gracefully into a tall cylindrical neck and gently flared pouring lip. Its elegant arched handle is particularly noteworthy, incorporating alternating sections of blue lapis lazuli and green malachite set within a silver-tone framework. The contrast between the richly colored stones and reflective metal gives the piece a distinctly luxurious presence.

For interior designers and design professionals, this Los Castillo pitcher works beautifully beyond its original function as a serving vessel. Its strong sculptural profile makes it an excellent decorative object for a bar, dining room, cocktail table, console, credenza, library, or collected tabletop arrangement. It pairs especially well with Mexican Modernist, Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency, Modernist, and eclectic interiors, and complements collections of Taxco silver and Latin American decorative arts.

Los Castillo and Mexican Modernism

Founded in Taxco, Guerrero, in 1939 by brothers Antonio, Jorge, Miguel and Justo Castillo, Los Castillo became one of the most influential workshops associated with the 20th-century Mexican silver and decorative arts movement. The Castillo brothers had connections to the celebrated Taxco workshop tradition established by American-born silversmith William Spratling, whose work helped transform Taxco into an internationally recognized center for modern Mexican silver design.

Los Castillo developed a highly recognizable aesthetic of their own, frequently combining traditional Mexican metalworking techniques with silver, silver plate, copper, brass, semi precious stones and other natural materials. Their inventive use of color, texture and indigenous Mexican references helped establish the workshop as an important contributor to the broader Mexican Modernist design and silversmithing movement.

This pitcher is a particularly attractive example of that tradition, combining a restrained modern form with the vivid natural colors of malachite and lapis lazuli.
The underside retains its original stamped hallmark reading:
LOS CASTILLO / TAXCO / TA-01 / HECHO EN MEXICO / PLATEADO / 209

Measurements
7 in. H x 5.25 in. Diameter

Condition;
Vintage condition. The piece presents beautifully with no apparent loss to the silver plating, malachite or lapis lazuli that we can see. Minor surface wear, light scratches, oxidation and patina consistent with age and use are present. Please refer to the photographs for additional condition details. See less