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THBMax Kerlow Limited Edition Ceramic Sculpture “Making Tortillas” — Mexican Modernist
About Seller
1205 S Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
United States
Cain Modern is the source for the elegant and the classic. Our store is a result of a desire to give people with an eye for design the opportunity to purchase mid-century designer pieces that are usually reserved only for the design industry. We source the world for that unique piece which can’t hel...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
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Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $25 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $5,000 | $250 |
| $10,000 | $500 |
| $32,000 | $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $3,000 |
About Auction
LiveSep 16, 2025
This special auction honors Mexican Independence Day by showcasing the timeless artistry of Mexico’s most iconic design legacy—Taxco silverwork and the visionary creations of Emilia Castillo. Renowned for her bold use of inlaid stones and sculptural forms, Castillo transformed functional objects into collectible art. Each piece—marked “Los Castillo / Taxco / Mexico??—embodies the soul of Mexican modernism, blending tradition, innovation, and nature-inspired elegance. Cain Modern Auctions cain@cainmodern.com
View Full Catalog (238)
- Lot Description
A captivating ceramic sculpture by Max Kerlow (Mexico City, 1928 – 2016), a pivotal figure in 20th-century Mexican art. Titled “Making Tortillas”, this piece beautifully captures a kneeling woman engaged in the traditional act of grinding corn on a metate, a gesture of everyday ritual transformed into timeless art.Kerlow’s work is deeply rooted in Mexico’s cultural identity. Trained as an architect at UNAM (1954), he initially aspired to be a painter but ultimately forged a path blending modernist vision with indigenous tradition. He collaborated with iconic artists such as Manuel Felguérez—with whom he explored innovative ceramic techniques—and Felipe Ehrenberg, with whom he developed amate paper painting methods taught to local artisans through his influential café-gallery La Amargura in San Angel.
This sculpture is a testament to his dedication to craft, form, and storytelling. Numbered 67 of a limited edition of 100, and signed by the artist, it is rendered in richly decorated ceramic with geometric motifs and set atop a complementary wooden and metal base.
Artist: Max Kerlow.
Lifespan: 1928–2016.
Medium: Hand-painted ceramic sculpture.
Edition: 67/100.
Dimensions (with stand): 28" L x 10" W x 20" H.
Provenance: From a private collection.
A moving tribute to Mexican heritage by one of its quietly revolutionary creators, this sculpture blends modernism, folk symbolism, and architectural sensibility into a singular piece of collectible art.
All items are sold as is. The auction house does not warrant authenticity on any specific piece. THERE ARE NO RETURNS. We can only offer our opinion and the material facts about the item and its condition.
ANY CONDITION STATEMENT IS GIVEN AS A COURTESY TO A CLIENT, IS ONLY AN OPINION AND SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS A STATEMENT OF FACT. CAIN MODERN AUCTIONS SHALL HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ERROR OR OMISSION.
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ITEMS NOT PICKED UP AFTER 30 DAYS WILL BE CONSIDERED FORFEITED WITHOUT REFUNDS.
Non of the Electronics or lighting equipment are tested for functionality.Condition
Right arm has a visible crack but remains securely attached
The Condition Report states Cain Modern Auctions reasonable opinion as to the lots general condition in the terms stated in the particular report, and Cain Modern Auctions does not represent or guarantee that a Condition Report includes all aspects of the internal or external condition of the Lot. Cain Modern Auctions does not owe the buyer any obligation to report on the condition of the lot and makes no guarantee the condition will be given for the lot.
Cain Modern Auctions attempts to provide accurate descriptions and images of products online. It is the buyers responsibility to review all of the information provided about a lot before placing a bid. The buyer acknowledges that the products are sold on an the as-is as found basis/condition and all sales are final. - Shipping Info
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Local pickup is welcomed, please call in advance to setup an appointment and ensure the items are paid for before picking up. For out of state buyers we can provide shipping quotes or provide a list of shippers, we do not pack anything ourselves but we can drop off the pieces to a shipping store such as UPS or FedEx and arrange shipping with freight companies such as Plycon, Craters & Freighters, Tramo, Cube, and others.
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Payment Details We accept checks, wire transfers or credit cards. Payment must be made within 5 days after the auction has closed and no pickup arrangements will be made prior to payment. Call Cain Modern Auctions at 310-652-6045 or email cain@cainmodern.com with any questions, concerns or requests.
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