Salcedo Auctions opens with 'The Well-Appointed Life'

MANILA, Philippines - Salcedo Auctions, the first and only auction house in the Philippines specializing in fine art, jewelry, decorative arts and collectibles, recently opened its office and galleries at Unit 104-B, ground level, Three Salcedo Place, 121 Tordesillas St., Salcedo Village, Makati City.

It will hold its inaugural auction titled “The Well-Appointed Life: Philippine Art + Objects of Desire” on July 24 at 2 p.m., at the Nash Room, Mandarin Oriental Manila.

A preview of the 90 pieces on offer will be held at the Salcedo Auctions galleries from July 19 to July 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“The Well-Appointed Life” highlights the breadth and scale of Philippine artistic practice from the late 19th century to the present through paintings, drawings and sculptures. A special auction will also introduce other collection categories at Salcedo Auctions: jewelry, international art, decorative arts, and collectible accessories.

Highlights of the sale include an exceptional and rare oil on wood by the old master Justiniano Asuncion, a drawing by Dionisio de Castro, only the fourth known authenticated work by the artist in existence (the other three being in the collections of the BSP, Dr. Eleuterio Pascual and Danny Dolor), an important sculpture by Isabelo Tampinco, and a 4’ x 5’ oil on canvas painting by Ronald Ventura — the only recent work by the artist of this size available in the Philippines — exclusively offered through Salcedo Auctions.

The auction concludes with spectacular estate jewelry, including a platinum 10.12-carat diamond ring and a 22.57-carat emerald and diamond Edwardian-style brooch set in 18k white gold, award-winning pieces by Jul Dizon, and vintage Hermès bags.

“The Philippines richly deserves having its own auction house considering that the country has long been regarded as one of the great artistic centers of the Asia-Pacific region,” says Karen Kua-Lerma, president of Salcedo Auctions.

“Salcedo Auctions is the expression of our pride and confidence in the Philippines not only as a source of some of the world’s finest works of art and decorative pieces, but also as a country of discerning collectors with impeccable taste and an eye for acquiring investment quality pieces. Quality knows no boundaries; which is why we also carry pieces by renowned artists and artisans from overseas. Here, you will find a Ronald Ventura together with a Francisco Goya, or have Bulgari displayed side by side with Jul Dizon,” she adds.

Salcedo Auctions has a team of specialists, formidable names in their respective fields, who bring with them a passion for the arts and a reputation for scholarly expertise.

Prof. Santiago Albano Pilar, who was recently appointed senior specialist-Classics of Philippine Art, is the country’s foremost expert on Old Master Philippine paintings and sculpture.

Ramon Villegas, noted cultural historian and antiquarian, also joins Salcedo Auctions as senior specialist-Pre-Colonial and Colonial Philippine Jewelry, and Objects of Vertu.

A full program of auctions, lectures and special exhibitions will be held throughout the year. Printed auction catalogues may be ordered through e-mail at info@salcedoauctions.com. A free e-catalogue is also available at www.salcedoauctions.com provides a step-by-step guide to the auction process and illustrations of the lots on offer.

For information, call Feanne Mauricio at 964-4996, 659-4094 or SMS 0917-5912191.