Los Castillo Silver Plated Malachite and Lapis Lazuli Vase, Taxco Mexico, 1960s

Details

Description

A beautiful vintage silver-plated vase by the celebrated Los Castillo workshop, designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico, during the 1960s.

… Read more A beautiful vintage silver-plated vase by the celebrated Los Castillo workshop, designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico, during the 1960s.

This striking, low-profile vase features a rounded, hand-hammered brass body with a silver-plated finish, accented by geometric inlays of rich green malachite and deep blue lapis lazuli. Alternating triangular and circular stone details surround the cylindrical opening, creating a distinctive sunburst-inspired design that beautifully contrasts with the reflective silver surface.

The vase's sculptural proportions, intricate stonework, and organic modernist aesthetic make it an exceptional decorative object, ideal for display on a coffee table, console, bookshelf, or as part of a curated collection of Mexican decorative arts.

About Los Castillo
Founded in 1939 in Taxco, Mexico, by Antonio Castillo and his brothers, the renowned Los Castillo workshop became one of the most influential names in 20th-century Mexican silver and decorative arts. The brothers developed their craftsmanship under William Spratling, the pioneering designer credited with revitalizing Taxco's silver industry.

The workshop gained international recognition for its innovative metalworking techniques, sophisticated mixed-metal designs, and imaginative incorporation of semi precious stones, including malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and mother-of-pearl.

Their artistic legacy is closely associated with celebrated Mexican designers and silversmiths such as William Spratling, Hector Aguilar, Margot de Taxco, Salvador Terán, and Emilia Castillo, whose work similarly reflects the rich traditions of Mexican Modernism.

This collectible vase represents the distinctive craftsmanship and creative experimentation that established Los Castillo as an important name in mid-century Mexican design.

Hallmark: The underside retains the original Los Castillo workshop hallmark reading Los Castillo, Taxco, Hecho en México, Plateado, TO-01.

Condition: Vintage condition consistent with age and use. The silver-plated surface displays scratches, natural oxidation, tarnishing, and areas of plating wear. The stone inlays show visible age-related wear and variations in coloration. Please review the photographs for details.

Measurements:
Height: 4 inches (10.16 cm)
Diameter: Approximately 7 inches (17.78 cm)

Designer/Maker: Los Castillo
Origin: Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico
Period: 1960s

Materials: Solid brass, silver plating, malachite, lapis lazuli
Style: Mexican Modernism, Mid-Century Modern, Organic Modern See less