Vintage LOS CASTILLO Taxco Sterling Silver Aztec Warrior Brooch Pin, Turquoise A

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Vintage LOS CASTILLO Taxco Sterling Silver Aztec Warrior Brooch Pin, Turquoise A:
$175.00

This is a rare and unique Taxco sterling silver brooch/pin featuring an Aztec warrior inlaid with the mixed blue-green colors of azurite and turquoise. It was hand wrought by Los Castillo, circa 1950\'s, whose taller was well-known for their high quality stone inlay which utilized methods developed by Pre-Conquest artisans. In this wonderful figural design, the the warrior wears a feathered headdress with hammered silver vest costume and appears to be dancing. This is a weighty and superbly crafted brooch.
It has a lovely soft patina and is in excellent condition with no damage or repairs. The pinback is in perfect working condition.
Hallmarks: Los Castillo, Taxco, Sterling, Made In Mexico, Mosaico Azteca, Eagle 15 Mark, Design # 160Measurements: 1-7/8\" (34mm) High x 1-3/8\" (48mm) WideWeight: 15.2 Grams
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or would like to see additional pictures.
Please Note: I aim to disclose any flaws in vintage pieces. Photos are taken at a macro zoom setting, and flaws are exaggerated in this setting. Please bear in mind that any marks you see in the photos aren’t nearly as visible to the naked eye. Wherever possible, I use recycled packing materials--this helps to protect the Environment. If you are unsatisfied for any legitimate reason (the piece is broken, I misrepresented it, etc.) simply return the item within 30 days and your money will be cheerfully refunded.
ABOUT LOS CASTILLO AND THE STONE INLAY METHOD:Los Castillo was one of the best silversmiths in Taxco, Mexico, in the 19th Century. Famous for their incredible craftsmanship, Los Castillo jewelry pieces are very collectible and are highlighted in several of the Mexican collectible jewelry books. The silversmiths at Los Castillo who produce stone inlay utilize methods developed by Pre-Conquest artisans. The basic form consists of a silver base with raised contours which distinguish the outlines of the image. In the indentations, a cement pitch is spread which holds the stone after it has been cut to fit the space. This work requires an expert craftsman because the stone is thin and brittle and is often applied in a small area. Don Antonio Castillo was an apprentice for William Spratling\'s Las Delicias workshop in the early 1930\'s. By 1939, Don Antonio and his brothers, Jorge, Miguel and Justo Castillo formed their own company, Los Castillo. They were trained in all aspects of the silver business. The company continues on today under the watchful eye of Emilia Castillo, Don Antonio’s daughter, a gifted artisan in her own right.