Salcedo Auctions’ year-end sale caps a record-setting 2023, marked by memorable bids, new programs and fresh experiences. Its Under the Tree: The Wish List live and online auction, which starts 2 p.m., Saturday, December 2, will have important Philippine art, fine antique furniture, and collectible jewelry and timepieces, among other valuables.
Rare auction pieces are led by an early BenCab titled Subway Madonna, which precedes his Sabel and Larawan series. Created during the National Artist’s stay in London, Subway Madonna was owned by Glenda Jackson, the legendary actress, the winner of the Oscar, Emmy, and Tony awards.
It will be alongside the works of artists whose auction appearances have become few and far between: Geraldine Javier’s The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (which comes home from exhibits in museums, galleries, and having been acquired by its previous owner from the prestige evening sale of important Asian art in an international auction house), Lao Lianben’s impressive 6 x 5 ½ ft acrylic on wood (purchased directly from the artist by its current owner), and Mark Justiniani’s Morning Glow, a voluptuous nude rendered in the artist’s signature strokes.
Geraldine Javier’s ‘The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil’ (left, estimate P6,500,000-P7,000,000); Mark Justiniani’s ‘Morning Glow’ (estimate P3,500,000-P4,000,000)
The curated selection is highlighted by the works of National Artists Cesar Legaspi, Vicente Manansala, Napoleon Abueva, J. Elizalde Navarro, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and H.R. Ocampo, as well as modern masters Mauro Malang Santos, Solomon Saprid, Betsy Westendorp, Onib Olmedo, and Constancio Bernardo.
(Left) National Artist Vicente Manansala’s sketchbook and drawings (estimate P950,000-P1,000,000), part of a lot that is being deaccessioned by Holy Angel University to raise funds for struggling Kapampangan artists; An untitled painting (estimate P480,000-P550,000) by the eminent architect Juan M. Arellano, whose influence in bringing modernism to Philippine visual art, despite critical acclaim, has largely been underrated.
Significant art entries include works from the estate of the eminent architect Juan M. Arellano —a fine painter whose influence in bringing modernism to Philippine visual art, despite critical acclaim, is largely underrated; National Artist Vicente Manansala’s sketchbook and drawings which are being deaccessioned by Holy Angel University in Angeles, Pampanga. The university, which established the Vicente Manansala Gallery of the Museum of Kapampangan Arts, will use sale proceeds for its Vicente Manansala Endowment Fund. The Fund was recently launched to support struggling Kapampangan visual artists.
(Left) Art Nouveau aparador designed by Maestro de Obra Emilio Alvero (estimate P240,000-P300,000); an eminently collectible armchair prototype by Kenneth Cobonpue (estimate at P100,000-P200,000), who was recently honored by his alma mater with the Pratt Legend 2023 award, the only Asian to ever receive the prestigious accolade.
The furniture section has an Art Nouveau aparador designed by Maestro de Obra Emilio Alvero (who was the most popular interior decorator of his time), vintage pieces by acclaimed architect Lor Calma, and a festive and collectible armchair prototype by Kenneth Cobonpue, who was recently honored by his alma mater with the Pratt Legend 2023 award, the only Asian to receive the honor.
Patek Philippe’s Aquanaut Chronograph 5968R (left) with rose gold outer case (estimate P8,500,000-P9,000,000); a Cartier Panthère in 18k gold with diamonds (estimate P600,000-P700,000), a ladies watch that has gained a male following in the gender-bending generation
The watch and jewelry room list has a diamond-studded Cartier Panthère watch in 18k gold. There is also Patek Philippe’s newest addition to its family of luxury timepieces—an Aquanaut Chronograph 5968R, the first of its type to come in a rose gold casing, and which caught worldwide attention when soccer superstar Bukayo Saka recently signed his USD74 million Arsenal contract wearing one.
Tiffany & Co. brooch with rubies (left) set in 18k gold (estimate P110,000-P120,000); an Art Deco diamond bracelet set in platinum (estimate P2,400,000-P2,800,000)
These are part of an outstanding collection of lots from the jewelry and watch section. There are also fine pieces by Tiffany & Co. and Bvlgari, alongside extraordinary bangles, earrings, and a small family of exquisite loose, precious stones.
Presented with Exclusive Bank Partner HSBC and supported by The Estate Makati, the ‘Under the Tree: The Wish List’ live and online auction is on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, starting 2p.m. In-person preview begins Thursday, Nov. 23, until Friday, Dec. 1, NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, from 9AM to 6PM daily. For inquiries, email info@salcedoauctions.com or phone +63 917 107 5581 | +63 917 591 2191 | +63 917 825 7449.
