Mateo Mexican silver obsidian "mask" brutalist Pendant Necklace
A veritable show-stopper, this fine, .950 silver Mexican pendant combines brutalist elements with a classic Aztec Revival, beautifully carved obsidian "mask". Signed by Fernando Alvarez Mendez Mateo of Taxco, it was crafted in the post-1980 period yet is exhibits such craftsmanship, I wouldn't have been surprised if I had found an Eagle mark on it. Serene and dignified, the "mask" looks as if just emerging from the moss-covered floor of an ancient forest with the silver "flourish" under its chin going back to, I dare say, Art Nouveau portrait jewelry. I have paired the pendant with a sterling silver hand-wrought chain which I believe matches its "seriousness" in the best possible way and will allow you to enjoy it right away as a necklace...
Size / Weight: pendant is 2 5/8" long (without the bail) by 1 1/4" wide; with the bail it adds a 3" drop to the chain; chain itself is 24" long; 55.5 grams (for the set; pendant alone is 33.9 grams)
Hallmarks / Date: maker's logo as shown as well as registration code "TM-12", "950" and "MEXICO"; chain is not signed nor hallmarked for metal quality yet tested and guaranteed to be sterling silver; 1980s-90s for the pendant while the chain is difficult to date with accuracy but I would suggest closer to our time
Condition: excellent vintage with a gorgeous-looking, smoothly carved "mask", hefty yet elegant silver-work, beautiful patina and no damage or repairs noted
Inv# 15886/14954
A veritable show-stopper, this fine, .950 silver Mexican pendant combines brutalist elements with a classic Aztec Revival, beautifully carved obsidian "mask". Signed by Fernando Alvarez Mendez Mateo of Taxco, it was crafted in the post-1980 period yet is exhibits such craftsmanship, I wouldn't have been surprised if I had found an Eagle mark on it. Serene and dignified, the "mask" looks as if just emerging from the moss-covered floor of an ancient forest with the silver "flourish" under its chin going back to, I dare say, Art Nouveau portrait jewelry. I have paired the pendant with a sterling silver hand-wrought chain which I believe matches its "seriousness" in the best possible way and will allow you to enjoy it right away as a necklace...
Size / Weight: pendant is 2 5/8" long (without the bail) by 1 1/4" wide; with the bail it adds a 3" drop to the chain; chain itself is 24" long; 55.5 grams (for the set; pendant alone is 33.9 grams)
Hallmarks / Date: maker's logo as shown as well as registration code "TM-12", "950" and "MEXICO"; chain is not signed nor hallmarked for metal quality yet tested and guaranteed to be sterling silver; 1980s-90s for the pendant while the chain is difficult to date with accuracy but I would suggest closer to our time
Condition: excellent vintage with a gorgeous-looking, smoothly carved "mask", hefty yet elegant silver-work, beautiful patina and no damage or repairs noted
Inv# 15886/14954
A veritable show-stopper, this fine, .950 silver Mexican pendant combines brutalist elements with a classic Aztec Revival, beautifully carved obsidian "mask". Signed by Fernando Alvarez Mendez Mateo of Taxco, it was crafted in the post-1980 period yet is exhibits such craftsmanship, I wouldn't have been surprised if I had found an Eagle mark on it. Serene and dignified, the "mask" looks as if just emerging from the moss-covered floor of an ancient forest with the silver "flourish" under its chin going back to, I dare say, Art Nouveau portrait jewelry. I have paired the pendant with a sterling silver hand-wrought chain which I believe matches its "seriousness" in the best possible way and will allow you to enjoy it right away as a necklace...
Size / Weight: pendant is 2 5/8" long (without the bail) by 1 1/4" wide; with the bail it adds a 3" drop to the chain; chain itself is 24" long; 55.5 grams (for the set; pendant alone is 33.9 grams)
Hallmarks / Date: maker's logo as shown as well as registration code "TM-12", "950" and "MEXICO"; chain is not signed nor hallmarked for metal quality yet tested and guaranteed to be sterling silver; 1980s-90s for the pendant while the chain is difficult to date with accuracy but I would suggest closer to our time
Condition: excellent vintage with a gorgeous-looking, smoothly carved "mask", hefty yet elegant silver-work, beautiful patina and no damage or repairs noted
Inv# 15886/14954