Emilia Castillo Angelical Silver & Porcelain Candleholders, Mexico, 1996

An exceptionally rare pair of “Angelical” candleholders by Mexican designer and silversmith Emilia Castillo, created in Mexico in 1996. Sculptural, whimsical and unmistakably Castillo, the pair combines hand-worked bisque porcelain with pure silver inlay, transforming functional candleholders into expressive works of Mexican decorative art.

Each angel is individually formed with an elongated conical body, outstretched arms supporting a circular candle platform, and beautifully articulated wings decorated with dense feather-like silver detailing. Delicate celestial motifs—including stars and scattered dots—are worked throughout the porcelain, while silver outlines accentuate the figures, wings, hair and architectural contours.

The restrained palette of warm ivory bisque and oxidized silver gives the pieces a remarkably contemporary presence despite their highly narrative form. Displayed together, the angels have an almost architectural symmetry, making them particularly compelling on a console, mantel, dining table, credenza or within a curated collection of modern Mexican design.

Emilia Castillo belongs to one of the most important families associated with the modern decorative arts of Taxco, Mexico. She is the daughter of celebrated Mexican silversmith Antonio Castillo, a founder of the influential Los Castillo workshop. Growing up within this extraordinary tradition of metalworking and design, Castillo developed her own distinctive vocabulary, expanding beyond conventional silver objects by combining precious metals with natural and unexpected materials.

Her work is particularly recognized for its imaginative use of silver inlaid into materials such as stone, wood, ceramic and porcelain. While firmly connected to the celebrated Taxco silversmithing tradition established by the generation of William Spratling and the Castillo family, Emilia developed a highly individual style characterized by organic forms, animals, flora and figurative subjects. Her pieces have consequently become increasingly sought after by collectors of Mexican modernism, Taxco silver and Latin American decorative arts.

This “Angelical” pair is an especially unusual example of Castillo's figurative work. We have found very few comparable examples and, to the best of our knowledge at the time of listing, have not located another pair currently offered on the market.

Importantly, both candleholders are individually hand-signed in silver and dated 1996.

One is signed:
Emilia Castillo M.R. / Plata Pura / Mexico / 96 / No. 26

The second is signed:
Emilia Castillo M.R. / Plata Pura / Mexico / 96 / No. 10

“M.R.” denotes Marca Registrada, while “Plata Pura” identifies the use of pure silver.

The differing numbers further emphasize the individually produced character of the two pieces rather than mechanically matched production.

An outstanding opportunity for collectors of Emilia Castillo, Los Castillo, Taxco silver, Mexican modernism and 20th-century Latin American decorative arts, while their strong sculptural silhouettes make them equally effective in sophisticated contemporary interiors.

Mexico, 1996.

Measurements

Each approximately:
7.25 in. H × 4 in. W × 6 in. D

Condition
Good vintage condition with minimal wear consistent with age and use. Minor surface wear and natural variations are present throughout. Please refer to the detailed photographs for condition and craftsmanship.

Sold as a pair.