Stunning vintage El Arte Azteca brass hinged box with crushed malachite and lapis lazuli inlay, handcrafted in Mexico circa 1960s-1970s. This rare three-dimensional collector piece features a detailed bas-relief scene of conquistadors and indigenous figures on the lid, surrounded by raised pre-Columbian glyph motifs on all four sides. Original El Arte Azteca paper label fully intact on the base.
✦ DETAILS ✦ - Maker: El Arte Azteca (Mexico, D.F.) - Era: circa 1960s-1970s - Materials: solid brass frame, crushed malachite, lapis lazuli, composite stone inlay - Interior: wood-lined (cedar/mahogany) - Lid design: figural bas-relief scene of Spanish conquistadors and indigenous peoples - Side panels: raised pre-Columbian Aztec glyph motifs - Closure: hinged lid - Dimensions: 7.5" L x 5.2" W x 2" H (19 x 13 x 5 cm) - Weight: 2 lb 7.1 oz (1.1 kg) - Hallmark: original paper label reading "EL ARTE AZTECA - Curiosidades Mexicanas - Somos Fabricantes - Reproducciones Arqueologicas en Malaquita - Mexico D.F. - Hecho en Mexico"
✦ CONDITION ✦ Good vintage condition with character marks reflecting 50+ years of age. The brass shows beautiful natural patina throughout. Please note the following condition details visible in photos:
- Lid: main figural scene is intact and well-preserved - Side panels: several small areas of minor stone loss along the upper edges and corners, exposing the dark adhesive base in spots (typical wear for this type of inlay box at this age) - Hinge: functional but with slight play — the lid closes but does not sit perfectly flush at the front corner (see close-up photos) - Brass frame: light surface wear and patina throughout - Original El Arte Azteca paper label fully intact on the base - Wood interior: light wear; a small previous dealer inventory tag is adhered to the base of the interior (removable if preferred)
This is sold as a "good honest vintage" piece — not perfect, but authentic and full of character. All condition details are shown clearly in the photos. Please review the close-up condition photos carefully before purchasing. Sold as-is.
✦ ABOUT EL ARTE AZTECA ✦ El Arte Azteca was a renowned Mexican workshop active in the 1960s-1970s, specializing in handcrafted decorative arts using the traditional "malaquita" (crushed malachite) inlay technique. Their pieces have become increasingly sought-after examples of Mexican Mid-Century Modern design and pre-Columbian revival craftsmanship, with three-dimensional hinged boxes like this one representing the rarer category within the workshop's output — most surviving El Arte Azteca pieces are flat wall plaques, making figural boxes considerably scarcer on the secondary market. A contemporary of Mexican silver designers such as Los Castillo and Salvador Teran.
✦ STYLING & USES ✦ A statement piece that bridges Mid-Century Modern, Mexican folk art, and pre-Columbian aesthetics. Perfect for: - Jewelry, keepsake, or trinket storage - Vintage cigarette/cigar box (interior is cedar-lined) - Statement display on a desk, vanity, bookshelf, or coffee table - MCM and Mexican folk art collectors - Unique gift for design enthusiasts
✦ CARE INSTRUCTIONS ✦ To preserve this piece for years to come: - Wipe gently with a dry, soft microfiber cloth only - Avoid all water, alcohol, ammonia, and chemical cleaners - Keep the malachite/lapis inlay completely dry - Display away from direct sunlight to preserve the stone colors
✦ SHIPPING ✦ Carefully double-boxed with bubble wrap and packing peanuts for safe transit. Shipped via USPS Ground Advantage with tracking and insurance. International shipping available upon request.
Please review ALL photos carefully — they form part of the description and show all condition details. If you have any questions, feel free to message me!
