The Gavel&Block ‘art+design: from regency to contemporary’ online auction last February 6, which featured over 500 lots of fine and decorative art, showed an intriguing trend— the rise in collectors’ demand for Regency era-inspired homeware and decor— with bidders sweeping up nearly all the silverware, gilded mirrors, intricate carved furniture, and hand-painted fans that went on the virtual block.
A clean sweep of silverware collection
The result is an indicator of a growing shift in tastes from the increasing ubiquity of modernity to pieces marked by intricate craftsmanship and laden with history— influenced no doubt by the popularity of the Bridgerton Netflix series, which has inspired a return to the picturesque aesthetic of England’s most romantic age.
Bidding battles over intricately crafted fans
Good style, as they say, is eternal, which would certainly explain the clamor not just for period-style furniture and decor, but also for artworks by renowned local and international artists.
The art section of the online sale performed particularly well with the banner piece, a 2008 BenCab tapestry titled, Milk Carrier, selling for Php 1,752,000—a good prelude to Salcedo Auctions’ Important Philippine Art sale set for March 13.
Louis Seize style furniture proves its timelessness at the online auction.
Online bidding was also heated for National Artist Arturo Luz’s Collage 14 (Set F), reaching 1000% above its published estimate, selling for Php 280,320. Oscar Zalameda’s watercolor and acrylic on paper, Untitled (European Houses with Dome), sold for Php 327, 040; Fernando Zobel’s Lithographic print Palacio de Cristal sold for Php 162,520, and BenCab’s 1972 ink on paper sketch sold for Php 210, 240.
The sale also featured a selection by renowned contemporary artists such as Damien Hirst, Yeo Kaa, Charlie Co, and emerging artist Kristoffer Ardena, whose work, Ghost painting (Cracked category) was offered for the first time by Gavel&Block.
Consignments are invited to Salcedo Auctions’ forthcoming marquee sales of Important Philippine Art & Furniture and Fine Jewelry & Timepieces sales on March 13, 14, 2021.
The Gavel&Block ‘art+design: from regency to contemporary’ online auction
Interested consignors may email [email protected] or contact +63 917 825 7449 | +63 917 107 5581. Follow @salcedoauctions and @gavelandblock on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
