Abalone and silver modernist Mexican sculpture of Madonna (Los Castillo, Taxco)

KaySD

KaySD

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Jun 29, 2014
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This isn’t pearl jewelry, but I hope it is okay to share here. I recently acquired a modernist sculpture of the Madonna by the Los Castillo firm of Taxco, Mexico, which started in 1939 and is still in business today. This hand wrought Madonna's unique abstract design is a hooded cloak on a round base. It is silver plated and the entire back side and rim of base is inlaid with abalone shell. She is 10" tall. The base is stamped "LOS CASTILLO TAXCO PLATEADO HECHO EN MEXICO 400."

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I have been searching for one of the Los Castillo Madonna sculptures for a while, and finally found one in good condition on eBay. My favorite aunt had one that was about 18” tall on her coffee table, and I always admired it. Hers was silver on the outside with copper inside the cloak. The abalone shell version seemed perfect for me.

My aunt was the “black sheep” of our very conservative family – she and her husband owned a liquor store (which got them kicked out of the local church), and threw fantastic parties. She had an adventurous spirit and was always a lot of fun. She and my uncle traveled to Mexico many times in the 60’s-70’s. They loved Taxco, and made friends with some of the silver artisans there, including Sigi Pineda. I was fortunate to receive from her a beautiful modernist silver and pearl bracelet Sigi created, as well as a few other pieces.

I recently lost my mother. She died a few days after the Ruckus, which is why I haven’t been around much on P-G. The Madonna sculpture arrived the day after my dear mother departed, so when I look at it, I like to think she is watching over us.
 
If you are interested in knowing more about modern silver from Taxco:

“The Los Castillo workshop was founded in Taxco in 1939 by the Castillo brothers (Antonio, Coco, and Chato), along with Antonio's wife Margot van Voorhies Carr, and their cousin Salvador Teran. Los Castillo is the longest enduring workshop in Taxco, and is still in business today with a reputation for the best in both design and craftsmanship.

In the early years of the workshop, Los Castillo was a creative cauldron with many talented designers and maestro silversmiths, that originated techniques inspired by pre-Hispanic artisans that were unique to mid-century Mexican metalworking. Technical genius, Chato Castillo, originated most of these, including metales casados (married metals), onix negro(black onyx inlay), mosaico azteca (stone inlay in silver), and pluma azteca (a sort of stained glass effect from multicolored feathers set in resin and framed in silver), among many others.

Early pieces from the Los Castillo workshop can often be attributed to a particular designer such as Margot or Salvador Teran by the distinctive styles they went on to produce in their own workshops after leaving Los Castillo. Fledgling silver designers Sigi Pineda and Miguel Melendez both worked at Los Castillo, before working for Margot when she opened her own workshop, and then went on to produce their own work a few years later. Both Chato and Coco Castillo remained with the family business, but often marked their pieces with their own marks, and there are strong collector followings for their unique work.”
http://www.modernsilver.com/All%20About%20Cufflinks%20Part%20III.htm
 
I'm so sorry for your loss, Kay. That's a lovely piece to make you feel her presence.
 
Hugs, Kay. I have been thinking of you! What a perfect piece for this time.
 
Oh Kay, please accept my warmest heartfelt thoughts to you and your family. You have a lovely sculpture to always feel your mother's presence.
 
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the death of your mother.

The sculpture is beautiful, and it's a lovely way to remember your mother and a difficult date.
 
Oh Kay , I am so very sorry to hear that you have lost your dear mum . Such a difficult time . My mum passed 5 years ago and it leaves such a void . I do feel for you and send lots of bugs ! That is a gorgeous piece and a wonderful story . The timing of the arrival is perfect as now it not only reminds you of a fabulous free spirited aunt but also your lovely mum. I love the grace and calmness that resonates from the lines of the statue. Xx
 
Dear Kay, Walter and I send prayers, hugs, love and condolences on the loss of your dear mom. What a wonderful and lovely sculpture to keep her memory in your heart. Hugs.
 
Kay, I'm so sorry. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things.

Your sculpture is beautiful. I love how the light bounces out of the inside, almost like there is a spirit within it.
 
Sending much love to you.
The sculpture, what a beautiful memory that will always bring you comfort.
 
What an incredible piece of art to comfort you! The beauty of it alone, is comforting, let alone any meaning. Thank you for for showing us this lovely memoriam.
 
ohhh Kay I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss - my thoughts are with you and big hugs.
 
Kay I too have abalone Taxco jewelry, it's stunning. Your Madonna is also so stunning, I am so very sorry for your loss.
 
I want to offer you my warmest heartfelt condolences.

I think it is wonderful you have found something that will be a visual reminder of your mother and her protecting love, I hope for you that symbol gives you comfort. Trust me having a visual symbol will fill you with warmth and sadness will eventually give way to smiles and fond memories.

KaySD said:
I recently lost my mother. She died a few days after the Ruckus, which is why I haven’t been around much on P-G. The Madonna sculpture arrived the day after my dear mother departed, so when I look at it, I like to think she is watching over us.
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