Salcedo opens 2026 with acclaimed Tokyo exhibit

Salcedo Auctions opens 2026 with the highly successful exhibition in Tokyo, The Philippine Coconut: Tree of Life, Seed of Innovation. The exhibition, marking the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Japan relations, places the coconut at the center of a cross-cultural exchange, weaving Filipino creativity with Japanese precision. Held at Tokyo Midtown Design Hub, it is on view until Jan. 30, 2026.

The event comes on the heels of the premier auction house’s 15th anniversary celebration in 2025. It was a milestone season—records were set, new programs launched, and audiences expanded—laying the groundwork for a packed first-quarter 2026.

Among last year’s highlights were Félix Martínez’s La Jota Manileña, which had its homecoming after decades in a European private collection; Fernando Zobel’s Icaro I, which also entered the Philippine market for the first time and closed at P44, 384,000; National Artist Jose Joya’s Flight, which set a new world record, selling at P37,376,000; and Annie Cabigting’s An Afternoon with Rothko, which fetched P22,192,000.

Carrying this momentum into 2026 and underscoring Salcedo Auctions’ role in nation-building as an arbiter of taste, craftsmanship and design, the year opened with The Philippine Coconut: Tree of Life, Seed of Innovation, an exhibition in Tokyo and the third installment of the auction house’s partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Tokyo. 

After its inaugural DTI international exhibition in Sydney in 2024 and its first Tokyo exhibition in 2025, Salcedo returns to Tokyo at the Tokyo Midtown Design Hub.  Supported by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and the Philippine Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, the exhibit marks the inauguration of celebrations for the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Japanese diplomatic relations, and is on view until Jan. 30, 2026.

An ode to this icon of the  Philippine landscape, the exhibition places the coconut at the center of a cross-cultural exchange, weaving Filipino creativity with Japanese precision. Esteemed guests, including government officials, Japanese industry trade leaders,  diplomats, and design leaders, experienced the coconut’s presence anew. From tree to fruit, the coconut had been transformed into objects of artistry and function, ranging from wellness products and industrial innovations to artisanal crafts and home décor.

The exhibition hall, framed by ‘The Anatomy of the Coconut,’ showcasing creations from every part of the fruit, with the Coconut Palace pavilion at its center

With the support of the Tukod Foundation, the exhibition also presented a pavilion dedicated to Tahanang Pilipino, more commonly known as the Coconut Palace, designed by National Artist Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa. The pavilion features floating maquette and watercolor renderings of the original interiors, alongside an immersive virtual reality walkthrough. Works exploring themes of nature and identity by contemporary artists Geraldine Javier, Maria Pureza Escaño, Emmanuel Cordova, Joel Geolamen, Demetrio dela Cruz, and Mark Andy Garcia offer a perspective that feels deeply close to home.

Lamana Furniture’s creations, made with Ishinomaki Laboratory, are showcased alongside items crafted from coco coir.

Salcedo Auctions continues to set the pace, already turning its attention to its upcoming collaboration with Art Fair sa Likhang Filipino through Pagtatagpo,  a three-man show at Likhang Filipino Pasay from February 3 to 7, which forms part of Art Fair Philippines’ “10 Days of Art.” Presented in cooperation with Vetted, the exhibition will feature paintings, mixed media pieces, and functional art that weaves the artistic vision and introspection of three contemporary Filipino artists: Lynyrd Paras, Marco Santos and Vien Valencia.

Lynyrd Paras’ oil on canvas, ‘Loob Tahimik’

“It’s an exciting way to begin the year,” chairman and chief specialist Richie Lerma says. “While we’re in the midst of the Tokyo exhibition, and after preparing for the upcoming three-man show, we’re already preparing for ‘The Well-Appointed Life’ auction in March. We are currently accepting consignments across art, Philippine antiques, watches and fine jewelry, as well as religious and ethnographic objects. It will be our first marquee sale of 2026—and one that sets the tone for the months ahead.”

The January edition of “The Well-Appointed Life” is the first of Salcedo Auctions’ marquee events, happening on March 14. Collectors and enthusiasts are invited to consign works including paintings, jewelry and timepieces, antiques, and religious and ethnographic objects. The auction promises a thoughtfully curated selection that celebrates craftsmanship and the enduring allure of Philippine artistry—authentic, refined, and true to the spirit of its creators. With its slate of events and first sale underway, Salcedo Auctions signals this as the opening act of a remarkable year to come. 

Consignments are now being accepted for Salcedo Auctions’ “The Well-Appointed Life” sale via this link: https://salcedoauctions.com/guides/how-to-sell/consignment-form

For further inquiries, email info@salcedoauctions.com or phone tel. nos. (+63917) 107-5581, (+63917) 572-3990, and (+63917) 825-7449.