Mexican Deco silver repousse "mask" Necklace with azur-malachite

A most unusual Mexican Deco necklace, this Mexico City figural example falls under several categories. Its links are inlaid with azur-malachite in the Los Castillo "mozaico azteca" style but it also belongs in the "mask" jewelry sub-genre thanks to the repousse portrait adorning the central station. And even though this is not a work from Taxco and its maker is, for all intents and purposes, an "unsung" contributor to Mexico's 20th c. Silver Renaissance, the "mask" itself is based on an early Antonio Pineda creation. Excellent craftsmanship with attention to detail and careful finishing combined with the rarity of the design make this a must-have necklace for the collector and the discerning well-dresser alike...

SIZE / WEIGHT: 14 1/2" long (wearable; 15" end-to-end; can easily lengthened with the addition of a sterling extension - please ask if you need one); central medallion is 2 5/8" wide and adds a 2 3/4" drop to the necklace; width at the chain 1/2"; 44.8 grams

HALLMARKS / DATE: partially visible maker's signature as well as "MEXICO STERLING" and "MEXICO D.F. 925"; 1940s

CONDITION: excellent vintage with an exquisitely rendered repousse "mask", beautiful cool greens, blues and taupes in the inlay and no damage or repairs noted except for one of the small circles attached to the central station that seems to have been squished slightly out of shape at some point

Inv#15273