a MAGNIFICENT vintage 1930s 40s handmade 980 silver Mexican Art Deco Flowers design concho-style belt by Los Castillo of Taxco Mexico, and no doubt a Margot design. The very earliest of Los Castillo marks, and in nearly fine silver quality of .980 pure silver. An extremely rare prize for the Los Castillo collector, and unlikely to be seen again available for sale anytime soon, if ever! Measures 32.25" long (which can be shortened or worn with one or more of the links hanging down at front, or lengthened with a bit of chain added at the hook clasp) by 1-3/8" diameter (of each link), and weighs a substantial 142 grams total. Marked as shown with the earliest Los Castillo mark, "980 Los Castillo Taxco" and design number "235". As you can see in my photos, the links are unbacked, but the metal is of a thicker gauge and is in no danger of deformation or damage from use - after all it has already survived nearly a century with just fine wear (patina) as expected. I have left this beautiful belt as I found it without any polishing. The only example of this very rare design that I have seen in my 45+ year career, and not published in any of the literature on the subject. Excellent vintage condition
In the summer of 1938, Margot Van Voorhies and Antonio Castillo became romantically involved despite their age difference, and they were married soon after.
The quaint town of Taxco was up and coming, with small groups of tourists and artists trickling in from busier towns in search of peace and inspiration. Antonio Castillo had been working for William Spratling as one of his most talented silversmiths. Together, Margot and Antonio decided to start their own business making and selling silver jewelry. Their venture seemed a bit treacherous given a number of micro workshops that were already in business, copying and selling the popular designs by Spratling. Spratling was not too keen on the idea of letting Antonio go, but he did so “with one request, that the Castillos never replicate his designs.” In 1939, Castilllos en el Aire was established, but soon the name was changed to Los Castillo when Antonio’s two brothers, Jorge and Justo Castillo, and his cousin Salvador Terán joined in to work as silversmiths.
As the primary designer, Margot took inspirations from a wide array of sources, including pre-Columbian motifs found in the nearby archeological sites, Mayan, Baroque, Rococo, Ancient Roman and Greek, Chinese and Japanese. Her design, as a whole, can be described as having stylized geometry, defined outlines, and figurative yet abstract motifs. Margot did not shy away from designing bold and large statement pieces of jewelry, finished with hand-hammering, repoussé work, beading and vibrant semi-precious gemstones. Margot incorporated Chinese ivory figurines and Japanese netsukes in her jewelry, which were likely supplied by Margaret Clayes. In 1944, Los Castillo’s jewelry was introduced at La Tausca in New York City. Despite the success, Margot and Antonio’s marriage was falling apart, and it unfortunately ended in divorce in 1946.
Margot went on to found her own company, and was very successful for many years as "Margot de Taxco".
A magnificent vintage 1930s Los Castillo handmade 980 silver floral design belt - one of Margot's earliest designs!
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