early Matl Salas Mexican silver "palomas" Brooch

Exquisite Matl Salas Mexican silver, coral and turquoise brooch, I believe this piece to have been made in the years following Matilde Poulat’s death in 1960 based on the quality of the materials used and the high level of craftsmanship. Maestro Salas, Matl’s nephew, worked alongside his aunt for most of Matilde’s career and upon her demise, he (and later his family) took over the workshop and continued making jewelry based on Poulat’s designs. Steeped in Mexico’s folk tradition, the brooch combines some of Matl’s iconic motifs - the mirrored doves, the small flowers, the stylized dangles with turquoise - with her signature beading and wire work. Playfully articulated, with a deep patina that adds volume to the repoussage, this is a little gem that can easily be enjoyed as a pendant too, if you have a small bail added to it…

Size / Weight: 2 5/8” tall by 2 1/4” wide; 18.2 grams

Hallmarks /Date: “Matl Salas MEXICO” as well as “925” hand-etched; I will suggest a date in the 1960s-70s even though I don’t see an Eagle assay mark based on the quality of craftsmanship and materials used

Condition: excellent vintage with careful, meticulous repoussage, beautiful little stones and a nice cab at the center, with the deepest, warmest patina ever and no damage or repairs noted; one of the best Matl-Salas pieces I have seen

Inv# 15547