Gargantuan "Toucan" Water Pitcher by Emilia Castillo, Signed, Mexican Design

An extraordinary and monumentally scaled sculptural water pitcher designed and hand-fabricated in Taxco, Mexico in the early 1980s by celebrated Mexican silversmith Emilia Castillo.

Executed in solid brass with heavy silver plating, this exceptional functional sculpture features Castillo’s iconic toucan form, meticulously hand inlaid with richly figured black onyx and warm golden jasper stonework. The bird’s elongated beak, sculptural body, and dramatic silver tail transform this vessel into a true statement piece—equal parts collectible Mexican design, functional barware, and museum-quality decorative art.

The hammered hand-raised vessel is accented by a twisted rope rim and elegant organic contours, showcasing the artisanal metalworking traditions of Taxco while embracing the bold sculptural language that made Castillo internationally collected.

The underside retains the original hallmarks reading “Emilia Castillo, Mexico, M.R., Plateado, TO-85”, additionally numbered #44 and hand signed by the artist—an important early example from Castillo’s highly sought-after animal-form silver workshop production.

A rare opportunity to acquire one of Emilia Castillo’s most dramatic large-scale sculptural vessels, ideal for collectors of Mexican modernism, Taxco silver, luxury barware, statement tabletop objects, and interior designers seeking a true conversation piece.

Condition
Good vintage condition consistent with age and use.
No visible silver loss.
No apparent stone loss.
Minor surface scratches, light nicks, and honest wear from age and handling.

Measurements
22.00 inches high
15.00 inches wide (including toucan tail)
9.50 inches deep