Doris Corpus Artisans Mexican silver "archeological" Brooch

One of the most interesting - and few - female figures of Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance, Doris Smith Chamberlin was a Texas-born American who decided to move to Mexico in the 1940s to open her own workshop after having completed post-graduate studies in art and having taught woodworking, textile-making and silver-smithing for a few years in California (I am grateful to Decotini for the information). In Mexico City, where she settled, she created and sold her own designs but also commissioned work from the best Mexican maestros. Often signed "Corpus Artisans" alongside her own signature, Doris's jewelry exhibits impeccable craftsmanship and finishing and inspired design. The substantial brooch presented here combines overlay, beading and oxidation in a carefully hand-finished design inspired by Mexico's rich archeological heritage. A bold, statement-making piece as Corpus Artisans jewelry more often than not is, this piece does not come up often and it is worthy of the best collections...

Size / Weight: 3 1/2" long by 1 3/4" wide; 32.4 grams

Hallmarks / Date: "DORIS SILVER" as well as "CORPUS ARTISANS MEXICO"; pre-1948

Condition: excellent vintage, impressive in size and in its layered design, with beautiful patina and no damage or repairs noted

Inv# 15970