Domed silver cuff with amethyst cabochon set in shadow box, photo: Don Cole

Pineda is lauded for his bold designs and ingenious use of gemstones. Silver Seduction traces the evolution of his work from the 1930s–70s, and includes more than a hundred necklaces and bracelets, as well as numerous rings, earrings, and diverse examples of his hollowware and tableware. All of the works feature Pineda’s hard-to-achieve combination of highly refined execution and hand-wrought appeal.

Necklace with layered feather design, silver, onyx inlay, photo: Don Cole

Pineda’s jewelry is especially known for its elegant acknowledgment of the human form. It is often said that a Pineda fits the body perfectly, that it feels right when it is worn. For example, a thick geometric necklace that might at first glance seem too weighty or rigid to wear comfortably is, in fact, faceted, hinged, or hollowed in such a way that it gracefully encircles the neck or drapes seductively down the décolletage.

Silver Seduction: The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda and its publication are made possible through the generosity of the Donald B. Cordry Memorial Fund and Jill and Barry Kitnick. The exhibition was developed by the curatorial team of the Fowler Museum with consulting curator Gobi Stromberg. All works presented are either from the collections of Cindy Tietze and Stuart Hodosh or the Fowler Museum at UCLA. The exhibition runs through January 2, 2011. For more information, visit the Museum of International Folk Art’s Web site, MOIFA.org.

See larger image Silver Seduction: The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda (Paperback) By (author) Gobi Stromberg List Price: $35.00 USD New From: $21.91 In Stock Used from: $22.99 In Stock

Silver Seduction celebrating Antonio Pineda heading to New Mexico originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on February 27, 2010. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.