Salcedo Auctions chairman and chief specialist Richie Lerma taking bids during ‘The Well-Appointed Life’ sale last March 9.
“The very top end of the market who lead transnational lives, with most having domiciles around the world, see themselves as global citizens. The world is their oyster, and so the art they collect naturally reflects this.”—Richie Lerma
Salcedo Auctions, arguably an arbiter and barometer of today’s Philippine art market, concluded the March edition of The Well-Appointed Life, with new benchmarks set.
Both major works by National Artists Fernando Amorsolo and HR Ocampo were sold, with Amorsolo’s Bathing by the River (1939) and Ocampo’s Diplomatic Friendship (1978) going for nearly P8,760,000 each. A new world record based on size was also reached with Advice from Bathala by Rodel Tapaya (2012), at P5,606,400 —the third consecutive impressive Tapaya sale.
Ang Kiukok’s ‘Clown’ (left) sold for P2.102,400 setting yet another new price benchmark at auction; an untitled abstract painting by Roberto Chabet sold for P2,803,200.
Other notable Philippine art sales included three works from the 1960s—a landscape by Juvenal Sansó (P3,036,800); an untitled abstract painting by Roberto Chabet (P2,803,200); and an ink and watercolor by National Artist Vicente Manansala (P1,985,600). The 12 x 12 inch Clown by National Artist Ang Kiukok sold at P2.102,400, setting yet another new price benchmark at auctions.
Jose Tence Ruiz’s assemblage titled ‘Minibus’ sold for P443,840 (left); Junyee’s ‘Martha,’ a sculpture in ‘kakawate’ wood inspired by the modern dance pioneer Martha Graham, sold at P280,320.
Works by two of the country’s most significant and established contemporary visual artists also sold, affirming Salcedo’s strong endorsement of both artists. Martha by Junyee, a sculpture in kakawate wood inspired by the modern dance pioneer Martha Graham, sold for P280,320. Minibus, an assemblage by Jose Tence Ruiz, who represented the Philippines in the 2015 Venice Biennale, sold for P443,840.
Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Night Flowers (B)’—a screenprint edition—sold for P1,109,600
This edition of The Well-Appointed Life also marks the first time that signed original works by international and Asian masters sold in a local auction. Yayoi Kusama’s Night Flowers (B)—a screenprint edition—sold for P1,109,600.
The ink brush scroll paintings of Xia Jing Shan sold post-auction to a Filipino private collector, with Avalokitesvara and Lotus-Dragon selling for P1,051,200 and Buddha’s Nirvana selling for P934,400.
The robust performance of local auctions indicates the growing sophistication of local collectors who, while continuing to support and nurture Filipino artists, now also look at international art.
The ink brush scroll paintings of Xia Jing Shan both sold post-auction to a Filipino private collector, with ‘Avalokitesvara and Lotus-Dragon’ selling for P1,051,200 and ‘Buddha’s Nirvana’ selling for P934,400
A series of Danganan sword hilts with ivory pommel sold for a total of P5,139,200.
Fine jewelry remained a key category in The Well-Appointed Life, with the 4.25 ct G VS2 emerald cut solitaire diamond ring set in platinum selling for P2,330,000. Philippine ethnographic art was nearly sold out across the board, with the sale of three lots of Danganan ivory sword hilts with ivory pommel for P5,139,200, and two large Maranao gadur selling for P1,460,000.
Two large Maranao ‘gadur’ were sold for P1,460,000.
Historical artefacts and rare books completed the richness and variety of lots on offer, with the 1901 Philippine battle flag selling for P2,102,400 and the very rare set of Blair and Robertson’s The Philippine Islands 1493-1898 making it to the history books selling for P1,051,200—a nearly 500 percent increase from the published estimate.
The Well-Appointed Life was presented with exclusive bank partner Metrobank. Consignments are now accepted for Salcedo Auctions’ next marquee sale, Finer Pursuits, scheduled for Saturday, 15 June 2024. To inquire, email [email protected] or phone tel nos. (+63917) 591-2191, (+63917) 825-7449, or (+63917) 572-3990.
