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.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
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 29–40 of 40 results
-
Sale!
Pink Lady of Guadalupe Ornament
Size: 5 inches tall x 2.25 inches wide
Our Pink Lady of Guadalupe Ornament features a pink dress and blue robe. Yellow rays of light surround the lady. Made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-1_072Original price was: $4.50.$3.00Current price is: $3.00. -
Sale!
Red Lady of Guadalupe Ornament
Size: 5 inches tall x 2.25 inches wide
Our Red Lady of Guadalupe Ornament features a red dress and green robe. Yellow rays of light surround the lady. Made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-1_073Original price was: $4.50.$3.00Current price is: $3.00. -
Sale!
Lady of Guadalupe Ornament in Pink & Green
Size: 3.5 inches tall
Our Lady of Guadalupe Ornament is painted in bright pink, green, and gold. painted on the front side, the back side is unpainted and a shiny silver. Made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-1_074Original price was: $4.50.$3.00Current price is: $3.00. -
Right Facing Dove Wall Art
Size: 12 inches tall x 16 inches wide
Our Right Facing Dove Wall Art is a beautifully painted wall decoration. The white dove features brightly painted flowers and wing accents. Brighten up your spring with the cheery dove. Handcrafted by Artesanías De Hojalata Corazón Magico in Oaxaca.
We also have a left-facing dove!SKU: TN-4_045$20.00 -
Left Facing Dove Wall Decor
Size; 12 inches tall x 16 inches wide
Our Left Facing Dove Wall Decor is a beautifully painted wall decoration. The white dove features brightly painted flowers and wing accents. Brighten up your spring with the cheery dove. Handcrafted by Artesanías De Hojalata Corazón Magico in Oaxaca. We also have a right-facing dove!
SKU: TN-4_046$20.00 -
Nativity Boxed Set
Size: 4 inches long x 2.75 inches wide x 1.75 inches tall
The Nativity Boxed Set includdes 10 nativity figures. The figure sizes vary. The decorative tin box lid will have one of two designs: an angel or a shooting star. The color combinations will vary, but all are beautiful. Made in San Miguel De Allende by Juan Pastor Zamora.
SKU: TN-1_075$22.00 -
Lady of Guadalupe Wall Decor
Size: 8 inches tall x 5 inches wide x .5 inches deep
The Lady of Guadalupe Wall Decor is a large, colorful, 3-D ornament. The brightly colored gown and shroud are set off by a shiny gold frame. The Lady is offset from the frame about a half inch. A cut-out is made in the gold tin frame, hidden behind the head. This will look beautiful hanging on a wall, or other flat surface. It will also be a standout on the outer edge of the branches of your holiday tree. The colors vary as shown in the pictures. If you have a preference, make a note of it when you order. Made by Artesanias Garcia.
SKU: TN-6_004$15.50 -
Small Heart Mirror
Size: 6 inches tall x 5.5 inches wide
The Small Heart Mirror can be hung on a wall or used as a large ornament . The mirror is surrounded by a brightly painted frame of flowers and garland. The colors of the inner and outer edge of the frame will vary. The mirror can be replaced with a picture and glass cut to fit, if desired.
SKU: TN-7_046$5.75 -
Black Rooster Vessel
Size: 10 inches tall x 11 inches long x 4 inches wide
The Black Rooster Vessel is a decorative piece that can be used to display plants or dried flowers. It also is beautiful in the kitchen to hold necessary kitchen items such as onions, lemons, etc. The rooster is decorated with a floral design and a sacred heart of ascension. It is 10 inches tall x 11 inches long x 4 inches wide. The interior receptacle is slightly smaller than the outer dimensions.
SKU: TN-4_037$124.00 -
Blue Rooster Vessel
Size: 10 inches tall x 11 inches long x 4 inches wide
The Blue Rooster Vessel is a decorative piece that can be used to display plants or dried flowers. It also is beautiful in the kitchen to hold necessary kitchen items such as onions, lemons, etc. The rooster is decorated with a floral design and a sacred heart of ascension. It is 10 inches tall x 11 inches long x 4 inches wide. The interior receptacle is slightly smaller than the outer dimensions.
SKU: TN-4_047$124.00 -
Frida with Monkeys Wall Plaque
Size: 5.75 inches tall x 4.75 inches wide
The Frida with Monkeys Wall Plaque features Frida accompanied by two monkeys. There is a loop in the back for hanging. Colors may vary.
SKU: TN-5_057$6.50 -
Frida Wall Plaque
Size: 6.5 inches tall x 6 inches wide
The Frida Wall Plaque is a simple picture of Frida wearing earrings and a headdress. It has a loop on the back for hanging. Colors may vary.
SKU: TN-3_045$6.50