(Silver Pendant) William Spratling (American, 1900-1967), Taxco, Mexico, 20th century. (Beads & Milagros) North America, Mexico, ca. mid 20th century CE. A gorgeous necklace comprised of dozens of shell and stone beads with a rectangular 92.6% silver pendant at its center. Encased by a lovely high quality (98.5%) silver border, the pendant features a decorative relief of a central bow flanked by two floral patterned circles with three brass heart milagros hanging from its bottom periphery. A petite maker's mark of a handprint with the letter K on the face of this pendant indicates that this piece is "Kerr Spratling" - one of only twelve in existence! The necklace strand displays white shell and black stone discoid beads, brown stone barrel beads, green and white stone beads with their natural shapes, and sienna stone spherical beads, all arranged into a beautiful pattern on a modern strand with a barrel clasp. Silver quality: relief: 92.6%, border and loop: 98.5%; Size of necklace: 16.5" L (41.9 cm); Size of pendant: 3" W x 2" H (7.6 cm x 5.1 cm); Size of largest brass milagro: 0.75" W x 0.875" H (1.9 cm x 2.2 cm); Weight of pendant with hearts: 23.6 grams

William Spratling made his initial visit to Mexico in 1926, and returned each summer for the next several years. Finally, in 1929, Spratling actually moved to Mexico to be an expatriate, becoming an active member of the vibrant artistic circles of Mexico. Spratling promoted the art of none other than Diego Rivera to New York galleries which led to Rivera's participation in the first exhibition of Mexican visual culture held in the United States, funded by the Carnegie Institute, that opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Not only did Spratling assist in curating the exhibition, but he also lent a number of his own pieces. During this same time period, Spratling was working on drawings for the expanding Morrow (US Ambassador to Mexico Dwight Morrow and his wife, the poet Elizabeth Cutter Morrow) home in Cuernavaca. Many of these drawings were included in the book written by Elizabeth Morrow entitled, "Casa Manana" (Knopf, 1930). It was Ambassador Morrow who suggested that Spratling explore developing the silver industry in Taxco.

Penny Chittim Morrill, Ph.D., who co-authored :Mexican Silver: 20th Century Hand-wrought Jewelry & Silver" with art dealer Carole Berk is the primary authority on Spratling's work. Morrill was the guest curator for the 2002 traveling exhibition entitled, "William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance: Maestros de Plata," organized by the San Diego Museum of Art. In her catalogue essay, Morrill stated, "In establishing silver as an artistic medium, what Spratling achieved was a delicate balance, a synthesis of abstract tendencies in the existent folk art tradition and in contemporary fine art, resulting in a visualization of concepts and ideas. As importantly, the Taller de las Delicias, became the paradigm for other silver designers to follow. Las Delicias was a community in which imagination and innovation were fostered and encouraged as the men learned the art of silversmithing while producing for profit. In the hierarchy of the workshop, these silversmiths advanced according to their ability, enthusiasm, and technical expertise."

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#161859

Maker's marks/hallmarks on silver: Greek letters of capital omega and lowercase sigma with ".47", "925", and a "K" inside a handprint. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina on pendant.