Gorgeous Mexican folk art sugar skull or 'Flaming Skull' by renowned Mexican artist, Alfonso Castillo Orta (1944–2009)
Measures 9" tall x 8" x 4 1/2"
Finely detailed skull features a crown of sculpted clay flames and is hand painted with fine brushwork showing colorful intricate patterns. Two mini sugar-style skulls are nestled inside each eye socket. One eye reads 'Beto', the other 'Cuco'. Cuco is the equivalent of the Boogeyman in Latin American Spanish. Might this be the Beto the boogeyman? Love it!
Marked Mexico with Castillo signature at lower side.
Excellent condition.
Castillo was a renowned fourth-generation potter from Izucar de Matamoros, Puebla a town famous for its vibrant ceramic traditions. In 1996, he received Mexico's prestigious National Prize for Sciences and Arts.
10723-117a
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