Salcedo Auctions previewed the much anticipated annual auction, The Well Appointed Life, in the Manila Peninsula yesterday, along with their co presenter Santos Knight Frank.

“History and tradition are at the heart of what we do at Salcedo Auctions,” says Richie Lerma. “We have always seen The Well Appointed Life as not being simply about the acquisition of objects, but rather about our country’s values, its history, how we protect our culture, and how we see ourselves as a people.”

The month long celebration of art, leading up to the auction will be composed of an architectural installation paying tribute to the four sale categories of The Well Appointed life: Important Philippine Art, Connoisseur Collection, Fine Jewelry and Timepieces and Rare Automobiles – all held in The Peninsula.

“With our focus on quality and discerning clients, we see this partnership with Salcedo Auctions as the perfect opportunity to create a truly unique buying experience in the Philippines.” - Rick M. Santos, Chairman and CEO of Santos Knight Frank.

This September, the Philippines will be in for a treat – from a 30 feet long H.R Ocampo painting, works by Ben Cab, Jose Joya, Fernando Amorsolo, Arturo Luz, Annie Cabigting, Rodel Tapaya, Ronald Ventura and more! There are exquisite pieces from Rolex, IWC and even rare automobiles too! Be prepared for over 500 lots of fine art and collectibles, including vintage designer couture, a first for this esteemed auction house. 

In partnership with the Manila Peninsula, this gem of a hotel is fully committed to supporting and fostering an environment to promote the arts. The Peninsula is not only housing the preview of the collection, the gala reception on September 14, and the actual auction in the Rigodon Ballroom the 23rd and 24th of September.

The hotel is also creating a “The Well Appointed Life Tea” and hotel stay package – both of which have been created to fully immerse a guest in the arts. The Well Appointed Stay Package grants guests early access to the collection with a private guide, an invitation to the gala opening and reserved seating at the auction along with a unique culinary journey through the hotel’s dining establishments. What more could you ask for?

“Ever since we pioneered the fine art and collectibles auction industry eight years ago, we set out to bring world-class auctions to the Philippines, befitting the rising fortunes of our country and our place in the global art community, says Richie Lerma, director at Salcedo Auctions. “Our institutional partnerships underscore our very high standards and the trust and confidence that we enjoy at an international level.”

The Well Appointed Life at the Peninsula brings together over 500 lots expertly curated by the auction house’s specialist departments, culminating in four unique sales:

Important Philippine Art — The auction house’s marquee event, considered to be the barometer of the Philippine art market. Highlights include works by masters such as Fernando Amorsolo, BenCab, José Joya, Lao Lianben, Arturo Luz, Vicente Manansala, and Mauro Malang Santos, as well as rare and highly sought after contemporary works by Annie Cabigting, Jose John Santos III, Rodel Tapaya, and Ronald Ventura. The main feature of the sale is an impressive 30-feet long H.R. Ocampo painting (1967), the largest work of the artist in private hands.

Connoisseur Collection — Featuring fine furniture, objets d’art, international artworks, rare books, and valuable maps. This year’s highlight is a unique confluence of Chinese furniture workmanship and Philippine imagery from the turn of the century: a table and a pair of chairs finely carved in polished ebony rosewood with very rare and intricate carved motifs of birds and plantain leaves, acquired by descent from the estate of a renowned ilustrado. 

Fine Jewelry & Timepieces — Offering investment-grade diamond and statement colored gemstone pieces and watches from the world’s leading makers. Watch highlights include a Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Ref. 6263 in stainless steel with a panda dial, one of the most desirable vintage watches in the world; a Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 in 18k yellow gold with a black dial; a grand complication from A. Lange & Söhne, the Datograph Perpetual Chronograph set in platinum; and a fascinating IWC Portuguese tourbillion. A flawless 19.41ct and 17.99ct unheated pear-shaped green tourmaline with brilliant white diamond pendant earrings and a 3.53ct unheated cushion deep royal blue Burmese sapphire and diamond ring lead the jewelry offerings.

Rare Automobiles — Showcasing collectible European and American motorcars — this year’s highlight is a 1934 Ford Model A Coupe accompanied by original photographs from the time of its production to the present.

Calendar of events:

• The preview opens to the general public on Friday 15 September and will run through Friday 22 September at The Gallery of The Peninsula.
• Exclusive by-invitation gala reception:  September 14 
• The main feature of The Well Appointed Life event will be the auction weekend at the Rigodon Ballroom, with Connoisseur Collection and Important Philippine Art being held on Saturday 23 September and Fine Jewelry & Timepieces and Rare Automobiles on Sunday 24 September.