The village of Taxco, Mexico, has a long association with silver mining—and, more recently, silversmithing and jewelry-making. Since Pre-Columbian times, silver was mined here. In fact, an Aztec governor was placed in the old village of Taxco so that he could conveniently collect the "tributes" (of silver) payable (by the conquered subjects) to the Aztec ruler. When the Spaniards arrived, they modernized the silver mining—creating a "Silver Rush" in the Sixteenth Century which greatly enlarged the town's infrastructure. Taxco proved to be the biggest source of silver for the Spanish Empire. When the Mexican War of Independence (1820's and 1830's) expelled, killed or diminished the Spanish colonizers, most of the mines intentionally were closed-down as the Spaniards headed for the doors.
A century later, beginning in the late 1920's, American artist and architect, William Spratling, began spending time in Taxco, eventually helping to organize the reopening of the mines. He was impressed with the silver-working skill of the people and began to facilitate the modern industry in Taxco. He developed an organized base of craftsmen, coordinated their efforts, and helped to export the best jewelry to a curious American market. Spratling, who had a deep love for the Mexican people and their culture, encouraged Taxco jewelry makers to design their own styles—many of them referencing ancient indigenous themes and aesthetics. During World War II, when imported European jewelry became scarce in the States, Spratling seized the moment and began to promote Mexican silver jewelry in America. He was able to place impressive pieces in some of the finest American jewelry departments of the day. This period—and the following decades—coincided with the rise of Modernism in the U.S., accounting for the large number of Mexican Modernist pieces to be found in vintage collections today.
The piece above straddles the Modernist and the Arts & Crafts looks. It is clearly botanically-inspired, yet, there is a certain abstract biomorphism present as well. On first glance, I saw a stylized Tudor Rose—which was certainly popular in the English Arts & Crafts era. The piece is marked "TN-36" which is understood to be the mark of artist Enrique Nassario. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Another silver brooch tomorrow.
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