Late 20th Century Emilia Castillo Hand Hammered Silver Plated Bird Tray, Mexican Modernist Silver

Details

Description

An elegant vintage silver-plated copper serving tray by renowned Mexican artist and silversmith Emilia Castillo, designed and handcrafted in Taxco, … Read more An elegant vintage silver-plated copper serving tray by renowned Mexican artist and silversmith Emilia Castillo, designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico, during the 1990s.

This beautiful rectangular tray features a richly textured, hand-hammered copper surface with a silver-plated finish and elaborate openwork handles decorated with sculptural birds, scrolling vines, and foliage. The intricate detailing reflects Castillo's signature appreciation for nature, traditional Mexican craftsmanship, and organic modernist design.

Hand-signed by the artist, the tray retains its original hallmark reading Emilia Castillo, Mexico M.R., TO-85, Plateado #11.

About Emilia Castillo

Emilia Castillo is the daughter of Antonio Castillo, co-founder of the celebrated Los Castillo workshop in Taxco, Mexico. Antonio trained under William Spratling, a pioneering figure in the revival of Mexican silver craftsmanship. Growing up within this distinguished artistic family, Emilia developed her own recognizable style, combining traditional metalworking techniques with natural motifs, sculptural forms, and innovative materials.

Her work shares a rich artistic heritage with important Mexican designers and silversmiths including William Spratling, Antonio Castillo, Los Castillo, Hector Aguilar, Margot de Taxco, and Alfredo Villasana, all associated with the development of Mexican modernist decorative arts.

A wonderful example of late-20th-century Mexican decorative metalwork, this serving tray is equally suited for entertaining or display as a centerpiece on a dining table, coffee table, or console. Its combination of silver-plated metal, hand-hammered texture, and sculptural bird motifs makes it especially appealing to collectors of Taxco silver and Mexican Modernism.

Condition: Vintage condition consistent with age and use. The silver-plated surface displays visible scratches, oxidation, patina, discoloration, and areas of plating wear, with copper showing through in places. Please refer to the photographs for details.

Measurements:
Width: 20.25 inches (51.44 cm)
Depth: 12.50 inches (31.75 cm)
Height: 1 inch (2.54 cm)

Designer: Emilia Castillo
Origin: Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico
Period: 1990s
Materials: Hand-hammered copper, silver plating
Signature: Hand-signed Emilia Castillo
Hallmark: Emilia Castillo, Mexico M.R., TO-85, Plateado #11
Style: Mexican Modernism, Organic Modern, Late 20th Century See less