Emilia “Mimi” Castillo Taxco Malachite Silver Plate Fish Hand Mirror, 1970s

A rare and highly decorative hand mirror by celebrated Mexican designer and metalsmith Emilia Castillo, created in Taxco, Mexico, circa 1970s. Sculpted in the form of a stylized fish, the mirror combines silver-plated metal with an extraordinary mosaic of richly variegated green malachite, creating an object that is at once functional, sculptural, and distinctly Mexican in character.

The front is meticulously inlaid with individually fitted pieces of malachite, retaining the natural variations, veining, and tonal depth of the stone. Applied silver-tone elements define the fish's eye, mouth, fin, tail, and perimeter, giving the composition its wonderfully graphic quality. The reverse incorporates a beveled mirror within the fish-shaped frame.

Of particular interest to collectors is the early “Mimi Castillo” signature. Emilia Castillo was known as Mimi in her youth, and this mark is associated with the formative period of her career, when she was still working within the artistic environment established by her father, Antonio Castillo.

Antonio Castillo was one of the founders of the legendary Los Castillo workshop in Taxco, part of the generation of Mexican silversmiths who helped establish the city as an internationally recognized center for modern silver and decorative arts. Growing up within this remarkable creative tradition, Emilia developed an extensive knowledge of metalsmithing while ultimately establishing a visual language of her own. Her later work became particularly celebrated for imaginative combinations of silver, stone, natural materials, and sculptural forms inspired by Mexico's flora and fauna.

This early fish mirror offers a particularly appealing connection between the Los Castillo family legacy and Emilia Castillo's later independent career. The malachite mosaic, playful zoomorphic form, and handcrafted metalwork embody the sophisticated craftsmanship for which Taxco became internationally renowned.

Beyond its function as a hand mirror, the piece has considerable presence as a decorative object. Displayed upright on a vanity, dressing table, console, or within a collection of Mexican silver and decorative arts, its sculptural silhouette and saturated malachite surface make it especially compelling for interior designers and collectors of Mexican modernism, Taxco silver, and Latin American design.

The piece retains an attractive, naturally aged surface consistent with its vintage character. There is visible wear and loss to the silver-plated finish, allowing areas of the underlying copper to show through, along with scratches and other signs of use. The malachite inlay remains intact. These variations have been retained rather than over-restored and contribute to the object's authentic character and history.

Dimensions:
10.75 in. H × 4.50 in. W × 0.50 in. D, when held/displayed vertically.

Origin: Taxco, Mexico
Designer: Emilia Castillo
Mark: “Mimi Castillo”
Period: Circa 1970s
Materials: Malachite, silver-plated metal, copper/brass construction, mirrored glass

Condition

Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear. Noticeable wear and losses to the silver-plated surface with areas of the underlying copper visible, together with scratches, oxidation and surface marks consistent with age and use. The malachite mosaic appears intact. The mirror shows minor age-related imperfections. Please refer to the detailed photographs for condition.