This silver tray is framed by a rhythmic sequence of sculptural jaguar heads in brass, each cast using the ancient cire perdue technique and finished in gold plating, with three elements highlighted through electrostatic enamelling. The jaguar, or onça-pintada, holds profound symbolic meaning within the Inca universe, representing strength, power, protection, and a connection between the earthly and spiritual realms.
Emerging in repetition along the border, the finely detailed heads create both ornament and structure, surrounding the reflective surface with a sense of guardianship and presence. The contrast between the smooth silver plane and the intricate sculptural edge enhances the visual tension of the piece. Both functional and deeply symbolic, the tray transforms a utilitarian object into a powerful composition rooted in mythology, craftsmanship, and cultural memory.