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EARLY Mexican CHATO CASTILLO 980 Silver “Sello” PIN browse these categories for related items... All Items: Archives: Estate Jewelry: Silver: Mexican: Pre 1950: item # 940289 Please refer to our stock # GA332 when inquiring.
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Rare + Rarified …
Regarded as a genius for his technical brilliance, as well as for the diversity of his designs, Jorge “Chato” Castillo—El Maestro Chato—was one of the major players in the nascent years of Mexico’s silver renaissance. He worked with Spratling and many of his initial designs were used as prototypes for pieces produced later by Los Castillo. Meticulously handwrought, this silver pin by Chato was inspired by clay seals or stamps known as sellos, which were prevalent in ancient Mesoamerica. These seals were produced in a variety of motifs and thought to be used to decorate fabric, as well as the body. Chato’s stellar example of such a seal boasts expert cut- and openwork, as well as piercing, in its sublime depiction of an Aztec bow and arrow, set within a radiant sun—a symbol of honor and bravery. For serious collectors of early Mexican silver and pre-Columbian lore, this marvelous piece is made all the more significant having been crafted by a master praised as one of the greatest silversmiths of Taxco. HALLMARKS: TAXCO; JC {conjoined stylized lettering in intaglio, an early Chato mark}; 980 {in intaglio}. DIMENSIONS: 1-7/8” in diameter. WEIGHT: 6.9 grams. CONDITION: Most likely dating to the 1930’s or ’40s, the piece is in superior vintage condition, definitely collector quality. It closes with a very early, but secure, C-style clasp. ONLINE + BOOK REFERENCES: This hallmark for Jorge “Chato” Castillo is documented on 925-1000.com. Examples of clay stamps or seals by the maestros can be seen in William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance by Penny C. Morrill, as well as in Mexican Silver, 4th Edition, by Penny Chittim Morrill and Carole A. Berk. |
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