1970s Los Castillo Taxco Silver Plate & Lapis Parrot Pitcher

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A superb 1970s Mexican Modernist silver-plated brass pitcher by Los Castillo of Taxco, distinguished by its sculptural lapis lazuli parrot … Read more A superb 1970s Mexican Modernist silver-plated brass pitcher by Los Castillo of Taxco, distinguished by its sculptural lapis lazuli parrot handle with brass beak. Compact in scale yet exceptionally decorative, the piece exemplifies the imaginative combination of metalwork, semiprecious stone and naturalistic imagery for which the celebrated Taxco workshop became internationally recognized.

The pitcher is crafted from solid brass with a silver-plated finish, its body worked into a softly lobed, almost gourd-like form with a gently flared neck and expressive pouring lip. Perched dramatically along the rim is a dimensional parrot that functions as the handle. The bird is richly inlaid in mottled deep-blue lapis lazuli, outlined in metal and finished with a contrasting brass beak. The intense blue of the stone provides a striking counterpoint to the reflective silver surface.

Los Castillo occupies an important position in the history of 20th-century Mexican silver and Mexican Modernism. The workshop was established in Taxco in 1939 by Antonio Castillo and members of the Castillo family, several of whom had trained in William Spratling's influential Taller de Las Delicias. The founding circle also included designers closely associated with the development of modern Taxco design, including Margot van Voorhies Carr—later celebrated independently as Margot de Taxco—and Salvador Terán.

Rather than simply continuing Spratling's aesthetic, Los Castillo became particularly known for experimentation with materials and techniques. The workshop developed sophisticated combinations of silver and other metals, stone mosaic, inlay, enamel and mixed-metal techniques, helping establish an unmistakable vocabulary within Mexican decorative arts. Jorge "Chato" Castillo in particular became recognized for his technical experimentation with metals and other materials.

Los Castillo belongs to the extraordinary generation of Taxco designers and silversmiths that included William Spratling, Héctor Aguilar, Antonio Pineda, Margot de Taxco, Salvador Terán and Matilde Poulat of Taller Matl—figures whose work transformed Taxco into one of the most important centers of 20th-century Mexican metalwork and jewelry design.

The combination of a functional vessel with a highly sculptural animal handle is particularly characteristic of the playful sophistication found in Los Castillo decorative objects. The parrot gives the pitcher a strong profile from virtually every angle, while the naturally varied lapis provides color and texture against the polished silver plate.

For interior designers, architects and collectors, its smaller scale makes the piece particularly versatile. It can be displayed as a sculptural object on a cocktail table, bar cabinet, console, bookshelf or dining-room credenza, either individually or within a collection of Mexican Modernist silver and decorative arts. The saturated lapis blue also provides an effective color accent within contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, eclectic and richly layered interiors.

The underside retains the original Los Castillo hallmark: "Los Castillo, Taxco, TA-01, Plateado, JB."

Condition: Good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. The silver-plated surface retains an attractive vintage character with expected light scratches and surface wear. No silver loss or stone loss observed. Please refer to the photographs for additional condition details.

Measurements:
5.75 in. high x 4.25 in. wide x 4.50 in. deep, including the parrot's tail.

Maker: Los Castillo
Origin: Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico
Period: 1970s
Materials: Solid brass, silver plate, lapis lazuli
Style: Mexican Modernist / Mid-Century Modern See less