Assorted Tin Figures
The Radiance of Tin Art
Tinwork is one of Mexico's oldest crafts. Rooted in Spanish colonial times, tinplate workers manufactured it by dipping thin sheets of iron into molten tin. This coats the iron with a bright, durable surface that is resistant to rusting. Our tin figures are entirely handmade (cutout, punched, embossed and soldered) by craftsmen using great precision and artistic flair. Painted with bright, durable lacquer and enamel colors, tin figures are inexpensive, lightweight and long lasting. In modern Mexico, the two centers of tin smithing are Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende, and we carry products from both cities.
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Read More About Assorted Tin Figures
On this page of Mexican tin are, we offer miscellaneous figures such as covered, tin boxes, fish and bird wall decor, milagro crosses, Khamsa hands, embossed tissue box covers and colorful Frida Kahlo nicho frames.
VIEW OTHER CATEGORIES, including including romantic hearts, birds, Day of Dead, Christmas ornaments and tin stars, and fridge magnet art by following the drop down menu links under the white navigation tab, “TIN ART,” above.
The age of tinwork in Mexico goes back at least to the 1700s. Tin was originally manufactured by dipping thin sheets of iron into molten tin to coat them with a bright surface that was durable and highly resistant to rusting. (However, if the surface is scratched, revealing the iron underneath, it will begin to rust if exposed to rain or high humidity.) For an artisan, the appeal of working with tin is its lightness, strength and low cost. It is easily bent, cut and soldered to form intricate shapes.
In eras gone by, Mexicans decorated their homes with tin photo frames, candelabras, lanterns, tin and glass frames (nichos) holding pictures of saints. In humble churches, tin crowns were set on the heads of statues, lit tin lanterns were carried during processions, tin candlesticks adorn the altars.
Tinwork is often referred as the poor man’s silver. In Mexico, every religious and festive object handcrafted in silver has a counterpart in humbler forms made from tinplate. Yet the same degree of skill and passion the silversmiths put into their work could be found in the less opulent pieces made by tinsmiths. Their pieces, too had an alluring shine, that charming brilliance.
These days, tinsmiths in Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende are carrying on the traditions, making Christmas decorations, tin soldiers, heart-shaped wall plaques and a variety of clever toys. Most of their work is for export to the southern United States, where tinwork is one of the most visible manifestations of Mexican Culture. Most popular with American collectors are the cheerful, flat ornaments, of which we have many here at Viva Oaxaca Folk Art. Please a look through our collection!
Showing 1–28 of 43 results
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Blue Cat Angel Ornament
SIZE: 6 inches tall x 3.5 inches wide x 1.5 inches deep
Our blue cat angel ornament is one of a collection of three cat angels. This ornament is whimsical and fun. It features a 3-D design and is not flat. It is a great ornament of honor to a lost pet. Collect all three! Made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-6_031$6.95 -
Pink Cat Angel Ornament
SIZE: 6 inches tall x 3.5 inches wide x 1.5 inches deep
Our pink cat angel ornament is one of a collection of three cat angels. This ornament is whimsical and fun. It is a great ornament of honor to a lost pet. Collect all three! Made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-6_033$6.95 -
Blue Heart-Shaped Nicho, Empty Frame
Blue Heart-shaped Nicho measures 6 inches tall by 6 inches long. The tin and hinged glass nicho is hand-painted blue with red hearts, the compartment measures 3.5 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide by 3/4 inch deep. Fill with your own photo or keepsakes.
SKU: TN-1_007$24.00 -
La Catrina in Garden Nicho
Size: 4.5 inches wide by 6 inches tall
La Catrina in Garden Nicho. The hinged, glass door opens to allow placement of dried flowers and mementos. This hand painted tin nicho hangs on a wall. Day of the Dead wall decor. Handcrafted by Jaime Hernandez Cruz.
SKU: D-3_01$28.50 -
Skeleton Guitarist Nicho
Size: 6 inches tall by 3.25 inches wide
Skeleton Guitarist Nicho. Frame is hand painted blue with a floral design and holds a printed illustration of a skeleton guitarist. Hangs on wall or stands freely. Handcrafted by Jaime Hernandez Cruz.
SKU: D-3_04$28.50 -
Sacred La Catrina Skeleton Nicho
Size: 8 inches tall
Sacred La Catrina Skeleton Nicho features heart-shaped frame topped with a cross. It is elaborately decorated with a bright red background with a blue floral design. It is topped with a pink heart with gold leaves cradling a purple cross. This nicho hangs on a wall during Day of the Dead celebrations. Hand-painted by the workshop of Jaime Hdz. Cruz.
SKU: D-3_07$28.50 -
Nativity Display Case
Size: 10 inches long x 6 inches wide x .25 inches thick
Our Nativity Display Case is quite unique! It is a tin case which opens to reveal a colorful nativity scene. Place it on a side table for a colorful display. It folds away for easy storage. Tin nativity scene is handmade by E. Carlos Valdez.
SKU: TN-1_033$35.99 -
Mexican Tin Nicho, Frida Kahlo, pink frame, 8-inch
Handmade tin nicho with hinged, glass door by workshop of Jaime Hdz. Cruz.
Tin nicho holds printed image of Frida Kahlo. Frame measures 8 inches tall x 5 wide x 1 thick. Not freestanding; hangs on a wall.
SKU: TN-1_034$28.50 -
Sale!
Frida Kahlo, Tin Nicho, black frame, wall art, 6-inch
Handmade nicho with image of Frida Kahlo, by Jaime Hdz. Cruz
SIZE: 6 inches tall, with hinged glass door, hangs on a wall.
SKU: TN-1_022$22.50 -
Frida Kahlo Blue Heart Nicho, 6 inches
Frida Kahlo Blue Heart Nicho frame measures 6 inches in diameter, by 1″ deep. Features hinged, glass door that opens to inner compartment. Hangs on a wall. Handmade by Jaime Hdz. Cruz.
SKU: TN-1_029$28.50 -
Mirror Ornament
Size: 4.5 inches tall x 3.25 inches wide
This mirror ornament is rectangular with brightly painted detail. A loop is on the back of the mirror to either hang on a wall or on a tree. The mirror can be replaced with a photograph. Handcrafted in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-7_017$5.50 -
Lady of Guadalupe Ornament
Size: 5.5 inches tall x 3 inches wide x .75 inches deep
Lady of Guadalupe Ornament beautiful and unique. She is colored in a green shroud and pink dress. The figure is offset from a background of rays of light. Bright and colorful, it is handmade by the Aquino family tinsmiths in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-1_059$14.50 -
Lady of Guadalupe Ornament
Size: 5.5 inches tall x 3 inches wide x .75 inches deep
Lady of Guadalupe Ornament beautiful and unique. She is colored in a green shroud and red dress. The figure is offset from a background of rays of light. Bright and colorful, it is handmade by the Aquino family tinsmiths in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-1_058$14.50 -
Embossed Tin Box, Design #5, Heart, 6 1/2 inch long
Embossed and painted by hand, tin box measures 6 1/2-inches long by 5-inches wide and 1 1/4-inches deep. Unpainted on all sides, the heart design is the feature on this box.
SKU: TN-1_070$18.95 -
Embossed Tin Box, Design #2, (2 flowers), 6 inch long
Floral design, decorative tin box handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico
Embossed and painted by hand, tin box measures 5 3/4 inches long by 3 1/4″ by 1 3/4″ deep.
SKU: TN-1_067$19.95 -
Embossed Tin Box, Design #3, (Love Birds), 6 inch long
Decorative tin box with embossed birds design, handmade in Oaxaca.
Tin box measures 5 3/4 inches long by 3 1/4″ wide by 1 3/4″ deep.
SKU: TN-1_068$19.95 -
Witch Flying On Broom, painted tin wall decor, black robe, 4-inch
Tin witch figure in black robe. Handmade in Oaxaca, Mexico
Flying witch tin plaque measures 4 inches tall.
SKU: TN-8_043$3.75 -
Saint Anthony Nicho
Size: 6 inches tall x 3.75 inch wide
The Saint Anthony Nicho has a bright red and yellow scroll design on a dark background. The print of Saint Anthony and young Jesus is a sepia print offset by a gold sparkle frame. Handmade by Taller Rocio Pindter. Sits upright on table or hangs on wall.
SKU: RA-2_27$28.50 -
Frida Kahlo, Mexican Tin Nicho Yellow Heart, 6-inch
Heart-shaped tin nicho with print image of Frida is handmade in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Frida Kahlo nicho measures 6 inches wide by 6 inches tall.
SKU: TN-1_024$28.50 -
Mexican Tin Nicho, Frida Kahlo, “Viva La Vida”, 6-inch
Tin nicho frame holds sepia print of Frida Kahlo, handcrafted by Taller Rocio Pindter in San Miguel de Allende
Frame measures 6 inches tall by 3 3/4″ wide. Hand-painted frame stands upright on flat surface, or hangs on wall
SKU: TN-1_018$28.50 -
Frida Kahlo, Mexican tin nicho wall art, blue, 8-inch
Portrait of Artist Frida Kahlo set inside tin nicho frame, handmade by Jaime Hdz. Cruz
Nicho measures 8 inches tall by 5″ wide. Hinged, glass door open to inner compartment. Hangs on a wall
SKU: TN-1_036$25.00 -
Frida Kahlo Tin Nicho Frame, pink, 13-inch
Portrait of Mexican icon Frida Kahlo set inside tin nicho frame, handmade by Jaime Hdz. Cruz
Beautifully hand-painted, large tin nicho measures 13 inches tall by 9″ wide. Hangs on a wall, or sits upright on a table. Hinged image compartment allows access to inside.
SKU: TN-1_035$65.00 -
Silver Fish Wall Art
Size; 12 inches long x 7 inches tall
This silver fish wall art is handcrafted tin fish by Aquino Family Artisans in Oaxaca. This gleaming tin piece is lightweight and durable. It will make a dramatic statement!
SKU: TN-1_003$15.00 -
Mermaid-Angel Ornament, with harp
Tin mermaid with angel wings handcrafted in San Miguel de Allende.
Mermaid comes in a variety of painted colors; each is unique. Measures 7 inches tall by 6″ wide.
SKU: TN-1_015$16.50 -
Mexican Tin Nicho, Empty Frame, hand-painted, red heart. Customize with your own photo
Red, heart-shaped tin nicho frame to display photos, flowers, coins, mini statues. Hangs on a wall with ring on back side.
Mexican Tin Nicho, empty frame. Heart-shaped Nicho is painted red and measures 6 1/2 inches wide 6″ tall by 1/2″ deep. Closed image compartment measures 3.5 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide by 3/4 inch deep. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-1_038$24.00 -
Mexican Tin Nicho, Empty Frame, hand-painted yellow with red flowers. Customize with your own photo
Mexican tin nicho frame is handcrafted in San Miguel de Allende.
Mexican Tin Nicho, empty frame. Hand-painted Nicho measures 8 inches tall by 4 3/4 inches wide. Hinged glass door opens to inside compartment that will hold photo, flowers, and other keepsakes.
SKU: TN-1_039$24.00 -
Mexican Tin Nicho, Frida Kahlo print in hand-painted heart, 11-inch
Frida Kahlo print inside a hand-painted, heart-shaped, tin nicho with hinged glass door. Nicho is made by Taller Rocio Pindter
Frida Kahlo heart-shaped nicho frame measures 11 inches tall by 8 inches wide.
SKU: TN-1_040$49.00 -
Mexican Tin Nicho, Empty, red frame with yellow flowers, 8-inch,
Handcrafted, red nicho with empty compartment behind hinged, glass door.
Hand-painted, Mexican tin nicho, red with yellow flowers, measures 8 inches tall by 5 inches wide. Image compartment measures 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches. Add you own pictures.
SKU: TN-1_041$24.00