Alfonso Castillo Orta BUG SKULL Day of the Dead Mexican Folk Pottery

Fantastic hand-painted ceramic skull sculpture, a traditional folk art piece created by renowned Mexican master potter Alfonso Castillo Orta (1944–2009) from Izúcar de Matamoros, Puebla. Famous for his intricate polychrome clay sculptures this is a stellar example of his work. Cream-colored ceramic skull features elaborate hand-painted floral patterns in black and green, paired with vibrant geometric borders, and embellished with small sculptural caterpillars and reptiles emerging from its surface. Measures 4 1/2" x 5" x 5 1/2" tall. Marked Mexico with Castillo signature at lower side. Excellent condition. Repair at the lizard tail shown in the last photo. Hard to see unless searching. 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. 10723-117b