Lot 37A email save

William Spratling Sterling & Amethyst Brooch

Sign In to see what this sold for

William Spratling (1900-1967) was an American-born silversmith and artist, best known for his influence on 20th century Mexican silver design. Taxco was a traditional site of silver mines, but had no native silverworking industry. Spratling began designing works in silver based primarily on pre-Columbian and traditional motifs, and hired local goldsmiths to produce those designs in Taxco. As the reputation for Spratling's silver designs grew, he expanded his operation, and began an apprenticeship program for others interested in designing in silver, many of whom continued to work in the Taxco area--with Spratling's support--once their apprenticeship was over. By the 1940s, Spratling was selling his designs throughout Mexico and the United States, and moved his design studio to a ranch south of Taxco at Taxco el Viejo. In 1949, the United States Department of the Interior started an exchange program between Spratling's design studio and seven Alaskan students in order to start a similar workshop in Alaska. While the Alaskan workshop never came to fruition, Alaskan design motifs began to influence Spratling's subsequent work. Circa 1940's, brooch is of a bow with large amethyst half-moon stone. 4.5" L, marked Spratling and Sterling on back. Excellent condition.

View Midwest Auction Galleries, Inc. next auction.

Similar lots up for auction