Antonio Pineda

comprising a Teapot, Creamer, covered Sugar Bowl and matching Tray, all of sweeping geometric forms with walnut handles and finials, the tray with single triangular handle

This model has been published in Penny C. Morrill and Carole A. Berk, Mexican Silver, 2001, p. 140 (without a tray), and in Penny C. Morrill, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance, 2001, p. 222 (with a different tray).

teapot and tray with some dings and light scratches to surface, small chip to wood finial on sugar bowl lid, traces of lacquer to the surface; overall good
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Legendary Mexican designer and former apprentice of William Spratling, Antonio Pineda opened his own silver workshop in 1941 in his hometown of Taxco. His works have been exhibited internationally, beginning in 1944 when he participated in an exposition in San Francisco’s Palace of the Legion of Honor. He showed approximately 80 pieces of jewelry, all of which were purchased by Gump’s jewelry store San Francisco. This began a long relationship between Pineda and that firm during which Gump’s would send the designer stones, and he would design the settings.  In 1953, he was awarded the Presidential Prize at the first National Silver Art Fair in Mexico, and a few years later, he expanded his workshops into a large studio with jewelry and sculpture divisions. The latter group, headed by the maestro Rafael Ruiz Saucedo, known as “El Chino,” was responsible for larger scale items, including trays and tea services such as the ones offered here, and “El Chino” was himself responsible for the prototype of this set. 

Designed ca. 1955, this service shows the influence of the Italian Futurist movement. The model was included in the traveling exhibition Maestros de Plata:  William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance which debuted at the San Antonio Museum of Art in 2002. In 1988, Pineda opened a museum in Taxco dedicated to the modern silver of Mexico, including works by Spratling, Pineda, and other well-known designers, as well as new pieces by young artists.