MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In nearly 15 years of steering his company, Salcedo Auctions Chairman and Chief Specialist Richie Lerma has kept his ears close to the ground, keen on spotting the shifts while maintaining a critical perspective that comes from his strong institutional background.
The lots for the March edition of the auction house’s marquee event, The Well-Appointed Life (TWAL), is a response to the changing tastes of collectors as well as the art and antiques market, by and large, which has evolved and expanded in recent years.
“TWAL is that unique world where artistry intertwines with luxury, and where every exquisite detail tells a story of connoisseurship and discernment,” Richie stated. “For its March edition, which we themed ‘The World of Art & Luxe,’ we are excited to present a selection that transcends boundaries. The best of Philippine art, spanning generations, is front and center, ranging from works by Felix Martinez, Juan Luna y Novicio, a handsome portrait of the ilustrado Manuel de Yriarte by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo featured in the Alfredo Roces book, as well as works by National Artist Victorio Edades, HR Ocampo, Vicente Manansala, Cesar Legaspi, J. Elizalde Navarro, and Arturo Luz.”
“This selection is joined, for the first time in a local auction, by a selection of important Asian art,” Lerma added. “The history of modern Japanese art is represented through works spanning a century from Tsuguharu Fujita and Seiji Togo to Yoshitomo Nara and Yayoi Kusama. The epic scroll paintings of the esteemed Chinese artist, Xia Jing Shan, who has had the rare honor of being exhibited at The Palace Museum, Beijing, is also in this sale.”
Apart from that, the tantalizing room list includes a connoisseur collection of exquisite Philippine Spanish-colonial antique hardwood furniture including a very rare Batangas Dos in excellent condition and an 18th century Lion’s Head refectory table, ecclesiastical art and ethnographic art, fine jewelry and timepieces, historical artifacts, fine prints, valuable books and ephemera. For the modern gentleman, there are fine spirits and motors as well.
TWAL’s March edition also has a special section titled The Art of Luxe – a private sale of rare and collectible runway fashion and accessories by the world’s leading designer labels – a well-appointed closet by any standard.
Given his long tenure in academe, Richie proudly announced two special talks during the lead up to the auction. On March 01, Manila House will host a lecture by Dr. Chun-Chieh Chao, who will discuss the lifetime works of Xia Jing Shan who explored the world of Chinese Buddhism. On March 02, Mai Sooriya-Arachchi of Tokyo’s Whitestone Gallery will hold court at Salcedo Auctions to talk about Yayoi Kusama, Yoshitomo Nara, as well as older masters Tsuguharu Fujita and Seiji Togo, a representation of the Japanese art’s evolution from the early 20th century to current times.
Presented with Exclusive Bank Partner Metrobank, The Well-Appointed Life live and online auction will take place on March 09, 2024, starting at 2:00 pm. The online catalogue is available at salcedoauctions.com; in-person preview begins on March 01 and runs until March 08 at NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
For inquiries, email info@salcedoauctions.com or follow @salcedoauctions on Instagram and Facebook.
