Tane Mexico Sterling Silver Pomegranate Sculptural Paperweight/Figurine
Decorative Object (Small Sculpture/Paperweight) · Tane Mexico (Established 1944). Founded by Sergio Leites, Tane is Mexico City's most prestigious luxury silver house, often referred to as the 'Tiffany of Mexico' for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic director collaborations.
Pattern: Tane Pomegranate Sculpture / Bodegón Series; Introduction date circa 1960s-1970s; Still one of Tane's most iconic and sought-after signature designs.
Type
Decorative Object (Small Sculpture/Paperweight)
Maker
Tane Mexico (Established 1944). Founded by Sergio Leites, Tane is Mexico City's most prestigious luxury silver house, often referred to as the 'Tiffany of Mexico' for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic director collaborations.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with a Vermeil (Gold over Silver) finish. The warm rose-gold/coppery tone visible is indicative of aged gold plating over a solid silver body.
Dimensions
Standard size: Approx. 6-7cm (2.5 inches) in height and width. Estimated weight: 150-250 grams. These are typically heavy for their size as they are intended to function as desk weights.
Description
A stunning and heavy sterling silver pomegranate sculpture by the legendary silversmith Tane. This piece exemplifies the Mexican Modernist aesthetic, blending nature's organic forms with luxury metalwork. The 'Vermeil' gold wash has matured into a deep sunset hue, highlighting the subtle curves of the fruit and the sharp, crown-like detailing at the top. It is a quintessential collector's piece from the most important jewelry house in Mexico.
Key Features
Unique realistic pomegranate calyx (crown); substantial heft indicating high silver content; Tane's signature minimalist organic form; distinctive 'MT-01' hallmark on base.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with a Vermeil (Gold over Silver) finish. The warm rose-gold/coppery tone visible is indicative of aged gold plating over a solid silver body.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish Mirror/Satin Vermeil finish. The piece features a minimal, organic modernist style. The crown of the pomegranate is sculpted with realistic flared sepals, while the body is a smooth, heavy bulbous form. The surface shows a rich patina with iridescent oxidation characteristic of 20th-century gold-plated silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the base: 'TANE', 'MEXICO', 'MT-01' (Alpha-numeric registration mark), and '925'. The mark 'MT-01' indicates Mexico City (M), the maker Tane (T), and their status as the first registered silversmith in that district.
Construction Details
Cast and hand-finished. The piece is cast in two or more parts and expertly seamed; the hand-polished finish is intended to hide all joinery, creating a seamless 'organic' fruit appearance.
Functional Features
Sculptural paperweight or tabletop objet d'art. The flat base allows it to sit securely on a desk, and its substantial weight is designed to hold down documents.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; the 'crown' or calyx of the pomegranate serves as a tactile point of contact, though it is primarily decorative.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional quality. The smooth transition from the round fruit body to the delicate, pointed calyx demonstrates master-level finishing. Unlike mass-market silver-plated décor, Tane’s pieces are solid .925 silver with a heavy micron gold plate, ensuring long-term heirloom value.
Authentication Indicators
Weight should be substantial (not hollow-feeling like plastic); the 'MT-01' mark is the primary indicator of an authentic Tane piece. The way the light reflects off the sepal edges indicates hand-finishing rather than a cheap mass-produced cast.
Origin & Manufacturing
Mexico City, Mexico. Created in the Tane workshop, known for utilizing both traditional Mexican silversmithing techniques and sophisticated European design influences.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern to Contemporary Mexican Silver (Late 20th Century). This piece reflects the organic modernism which gained popularity in the 1960s to 1980s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970 - 1990. The specific 'burnt' patina and the presence of the registration number system are consistent with this period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of 20th-century Mexican silversmithing excellence. The pomegranate is a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and abundance in many cultures, making this a popular luxury gift for weddings and significant milestones.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The piece shows significant surface oxidation and 'sulfide blooms' (dark spots), which is common with gold-plated silver exposed to air. No major dents or structural damage are visible, but the vermeil finish requires a light professional hand-polish to restore luster. Grade: Very Good (Vintage Condition).
Value Estimate
$400 - $800 USD. Value depends on size and total weight of silver; larger versions or those with pristine gold plating can exceed $1,000 at specialized auctions.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use silver 'dips' as they will strip the gold wash (vermeil). Use a very soft, high-quality polishing cloth (like Cape Cod or Town Talk) meant for gold/silver. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent further sulfide spotting.
Similar Pieces
William Spratling Pomegranate pieces (more primitive/Aztec style), Emilia Castillo (often silver over ceramic), or Tiffany & Co. Sterling Fruit (usually lighter and more naturalistic/textured).
Interesting Facts
Pomegranates are a recurring motif in Tane’s 'Bodegón' (Still Life) collection. Tane has provided gifts for world leaders and royalty, including the silver torch for the 1968 Olympic Games held in Mexico City.