1980s Emilia Castillo Taxco, Pure Silver & Porcelain Hummingbird Serving Bowl

Details

Description

Whimsical, elegant, and unmistakably Mexican, this extraordinary Emilia Castillo serving bowl captures the enchanting beauty of a hummingbird's dance through … Read more Whimsical, elegant, and unmistakably Mexican, this extraordinary Emilia Castillo serving bowl captures the enchanting beauty of a hummingbird's dance through flowering vines. Handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico during the 1980s, the bowl is executed in luminous white porcelain adorned with hand-applied Plata Pura (Pure Silver) decoration that flows effortlessly across both the interior and exterior surfaces. Graceful scrolling vines, heart-shaped leaves, dragonflies, blossoming flowers, and delicately rendered hummingbirds transform the vessel into a poetic celebration of nature.

Signed on the underside "Emilia Castillo, Plata Pura, Mexico M.R. No. 26," this bowl reflects the remarkable artistry and imagination that established Emilia Castillo as one of the most celebrated names in modern Mexican decorative arts.

Born into one of Taxco's legendary silversmithing families, Emilia Castillo carries forward the extraordinary artistic legacy of Los Castillo, the internationally renowned workshop founded by her father, Antonio Castillo, one of the original designers trained under William Spratling and a pioneer of modern Mexican silver. While honoring her family's tradition of exceptional craftsmanship, Emilia forged her own unmistakable voice by marrying fine porcelain with pure silver, creating sculptural objects inspired by Mexico's rich flora and fauna. Her work is instantly recognizable for its playful storytelling, organic movement, and masterful attention to detail.

Every curve of this bowl invites the eye to wander. Silver vines gently meander around the form while hummingbirds appear to hover weightlessly beside trumpet-shaped blossoms, creating a sense of movement rarely achieved in functional ceramics. It is a piece that feels alive—equally at home serving fruit or salads as it is displayed as a sculptural centerpiece on a dining table, kitchen island, or console.

Interior designers continue to seek Emilia Castillo's work for its ability to bridge Organic Modern, Contemporary, Spanish Colonial, Coastal, and sophisticated Eclectic interiors. The combination of creamy porcelain and brilliant hand-worked silver introduces texture, craftsmanship, and narrative into a space without overwhelming it.

As appreciation for late twentieth-century Mexican design continues to accelerate, Emilia Castillo's handcrafted works have become increasingly collectible. Produced in relatively limited numbers and bearing the unmistakable influence of the celebrated Los Castillo dynasty, her sculptures and tableware are now prized by collectors worldwide for their artistry, technical excellence, and enduring beauty.

An exceptional example of Emilia Castillo's finest work—where family heritage, Mexican silversmithing tradition, and imaginative design come together in one unforgettable object.

Measurements
Diameter: 9.50 in.
Height: 3.25 in. See less