Mexican Deco silver and amethyst "mask with earring" Brooch

An early Mexican Deco silver repousse "mask" brooch, this pieces is wrought in sterling and its maker adorned their portrait with a long, dangling earring. It is evident from the piece's craftsmanship that its creator was well-trained maestro. Despite the thinner gauge of sterling sheet used, there is depth and good definition in the repoussage which result in easily "readable" details and good sculpturality. I have had many "mask" jewelry over the years by both anonymous and well-known makers and even though I never tire of them, nowadays such a piece has to have something special to attract my attention. In this case, it's the carefully designed headdress, the statement-making earring with its own amethyst dangle and the unusually elongated face with its pronounced chin...

Size / Weight: 3" tall by 1 3/4" wide; 17.7 grams

Hallmarks / Date: "STERLING MEXICO"; pre-1948

Condition: excellent vintage with very good definition and sculptural quality in the repoussage, richly colored amethyst components, eye-catching design and size, with no damage or repairs noted

Inv# 15959