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THBNature Meets Craft: Emilia Castillo’s Rare Turtle Utensils in Silverplate
Lot 127
About Seller
Cain Modern Auctions
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 Estimate:
$1,200 - $1,600
Starting Bid
$400
Absentee vs Live bid
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- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
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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
Live
By Cain Modern Auctions
Sep 16, 2025
Set Reminder
2025-09-16 12:00:00
2025-09-16 12:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Celebrating Mexican Design & Icons
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cain-modern-auctions/celebrating-mexican-design-icons-20148
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
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 rare and whimsical pair of silver-plated serving utensils by renowned Mexican designer Emilia Castillo, handcrafted in Taxco, Guerrero. These sculptural utensils feature an openwork handle adorned with a highly detailed, three-dimensional turtle motif, a signature element in Castillo’s celebrated blend of organic forms and metal artistry.
Both pieces are hand-hammered, with wide, rounded bowls and stylized cutouts, showcasing the designer's masterful mix of functionality and artistic expression. The handles are cast with repeating turtle designs in relief, offering depth, texture, and a playful sense of movement.
Hand-signed and hallmarked on the reverse:
“EMILIA CASTILLO / PLATEADO / TO-85 / MEXICO M.R.”
Dimensions (each utensil):
15.5 in. long × 3.75 in. wide × 1 in. high
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. Light surface wear consistent with age. The silver plating remains bright, and the details are crisp and intact.
Collector & Design Notes:
Ideal for collectors of Mexican modernist silver, fans of Emilia Castillo’s nature-inspired tableware, or interior designers seeking a sculptural statement for kitchen or dining spaces. These unique utensils also make a thoughtful, artistic gift for lovers of turtles, wildlife, or handcrafted Mexican design.
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.
ALL BIDDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO OBTAIN AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE ABOUT ANY ITEM AND A SHIPPING QUOTE FOR THE ITEM ON WHICH THEY WISH TO BID, BY REQUESTING CONDITION REPORTS AND SHIPPING QUOTES BY EMAIL, OR PREFERABLY, BY PERSONAL INSPECTION.
ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS WITH NO GUARANTEES OR WARRANTIES STATED OR IMPLIED. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BIDDER TO EXAMINE ALL MATERIAL PRIOR TO BIDDING.
NO LOTS CAN BE RETURNED FOR A FULL OR PARTIAL REFUND EITHER BECAUSE BIDDER CHANGED HIS/HER MIND OR BECAUSE SHIPPING IS FOUND TO BE TOO HIGH/EXPENSIVE.
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
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 & Auction Policies
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Available payment options
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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