Name: William Spratling Signed Sterling Silver Feather of Quetzalcoatal Taxco Bracelet
Brand: William Spratling
Rating: 5 (12 reviews)

William Spratling Signed Sterling Silver Feather of Quetzalcoatal Taxco Bracelet

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About the Item

A vintage, circa 1940s signed sterling silver bracelet by William Spratling. This design is called Feather of Quetzalcoatl. According to "Spratling Silver: A Field Guide", by Phyllis Goddard, this bracelet was designed during William Spratling's first design period, 1931-1946. But first things first, who is Quetzalcoatl? According to this Wikipedia article, "The name Quetzalcoatl comes from the Nahuatl language and means "Precious serpent" or "Quetzal-feathered Serpent". In the 17th century, Ixtlilxóchitl, a descendant of Aztec royalty and historian of the Nahua people, wrote, "Quetzalcoatl, in its literal sense, means 'serpent of precious feathers' but in the allegorical sense, 'wisest of men'."" Ah! So that must be why Spratling called this design 'Feather of Quetzalcoatl! But hang on there, how did Spratling come to learn about Quetzalcoatl? Well according to the website Elisa Rolle, "When lecturing at the National University of Mexico's Summer School in 1926-1928, Spratling quickly integrated himself into the Mexican art scene and became a friend and a strong proponent of the work of muralist Diego Rivera, for whom he organized an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Using money received from commissions he organized for Rivera, Spratling bought a home in Taxco, Mexico in 1928, where he began work on a book, Little Mexico, about this small mountain town. Spratling was gay, but most accounts of his life mention this only indirectly if at all. Spratling amassed a large collection of Pre-Columbian figurines from Remojadas, Veracruz, which he donated, in large part, to the museum of the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 1959. Photographed by Manuel Álvarez Bravo, several of these works were published in More Human Than Divine. Spratling also donated hundreds of Pre-Columbian objects to a museum in Taxco that today bears his name." Well! There 's a lot more to the story of William Spratling - his early life as an orphan, living in New Orleans, a relationship with William Faulkner - but I digress. Let's learn more about the Spratling Atelier in Taxco, Mexico. And for that, I will offer this information from Carmel Vintage Jewelry, "In the 1920s, William Spratling, an artist, and professor from New Orleans in the United States moved to Taxco due to his fascination with Pre-Columbian and Aztec art. He used his love and knowledge of the area's artistic heritage to establish a silversmith, Taller de Las Delicias, eventually becoming world-famous. Spratling established an apprenticeship program as his designs became increasingly recognized, which ultimately launched many now notable Mexican silver jewelry artisans, including Antonio Pineda and Hector Aguilar. Due to his contribution to what is now known as the Mexican Silver Renaissance, William Spratling became identified as "The Father of 20th century Mexican Silver."" To say there is a lot of fascination information on William Spratling is an understatement. And this iconic bracelet is a fantastic representation of his passion, talent and skill. As photographed, you'll see a couple holes in the silver. That's really all that I can see. And trust me, your eye will be drawn to the sheer beauty, your wrist will feel the smooth weight and your heart will travel to Taxco every time you wear this gorgeous piece of wearable art.

Creator:
William Spratling (Jeweler)
Dimensions:
Height: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
Mexico
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1940's
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. In good vintage condition with age appropriate wear.
Seller Location:
Atlanta, GA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU7240233909482

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