Emilia Castillo Porcelain & Pure Silver Table Sculptures/Salt & Pepper Shakers

A rare and highly collectible pair of Emilia Castillo cheetah salt and pepper shakers, handcrafted in Mexico during the 1980s. Executed in glossy black porcelain and meticulously hand-inlaid with pure silver ("Plata Pura"), this sculptural set features one elegant seated cheetah and one reclining companion, each displaying Castillo's signature blend of sophisticated design, whimsical character, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Beautifully modeled with expressive faces, graceful proportions, and stylized silver leopard spots, these miniature sculptures transcend their functional purpose to become decorative objects in their own right. Their striking monochromatic palette and timeless Modernist aesthetic make them equally suitable for a dining table, bar, library, or curated collection of Mexican decorative arts.

Each piece retains its original rubber stopper and is hand-signed on the underside:

"EMILIA CASTILLO
PLATA PURA (Pure Silver)
MEXICO"

About Emilia Castillo

Emilia Castillo is recognized as one of the most influential contemporary designers working in the tradition of Taxco silver. Following the artistic legacy established by her father, the celebrated silversmith Antonio Castillo, Emilia developed her own unmistakable design language by combining sterling and pure silver with porcelain, stone, ceramic, wood, and other natural materials.

Her work helped redefine modern Mexican decorative arts during the late twentieth century, introducing sculptural forms inspired by nature while preserving the extraordinary hand craftsmanship for which Mexican silversmithing is internationally renowned. Castillo's creations are celebrated for balancing functionality with artistic expression and remain highly sought after by collectors of Mexican silver, Taxco design, and postwar decorative arts.

Today, her works are prized by collectors worldwide and are frequently featured in distinguished private collections alongside the finest examples of twentieth-century Mexican craftsmanship.

Dimensions

Standing Cheetah

Height: 3.5 in.
Width: 1.38 in.
Depth: 2.25 in.

Reclining Cheetah

Height: 2 in.
Width: 2.75 in.
Depth: 2 in.
Condition

Vintage condition with light wear consistent with age and use. Original rubber stoppers remain intact. Silver inlay displays a beautiful, naturally aged patina that enhances the character of the pieces.