Mexican Deco silver and coral stork-in-nest Brooch

The world of animals and plants proved an important and quite loved source of inspiration for the Mexican maestros. In the 1940s especially, in line with the turn of international jewelry design to themes derived from nature, fabulous brooches wrought en repoussage were made to depict favorite creatures both wild and domesticated, flowers, berries and all the wonderful things that surround us. I particularly love the period for its propensity for sculpturality combined with impressive proportions and themes so endearing they can hardly be resisted. I have offered bird brooches of various sizes in the past yet this stork-in-nest is a first for me. I am attracted to the gentle lift of the elegant neck and the way the feet rest gingerly on the twigs which will soon host and protect the hatchlings. The unexpected splash of vivid color the two coral beads provide is just an added bonus...

Size / Weight: 3 7/8" tall by 2" wide; 23.7 grams

Hallmarks / Date: maker's initials "E&G" as well as "STERLING MEXICO"; pre-1948

Condition: excellent vintage with beautiful body, gorgeous patina and a not-often-encountered design; the coral beads have rich color and there is no damage noted though I suspect the catch of the clasp is a replacement and not made of silver

Inv# 16017