To my dear readers, I will leave it to you whether to acknowledge the proverbial sayings, “less is more” or “more is better” and apply any one of them to your extraordinary existence. Indulge yourself with the freedom to lead a life exactly how you want to live it.
If a thing of beauty will give joy that will last forever, then do what you need to do to acquire it. Fortunately, there are experts who can guide you on making the right decision.
“Trust is at the heart of everything that we do at Salcedo Auctions, and this is what we want to impart to all those that come to us to bid for items that we offer – not only that a work of art is by this or that artist, but that it has passed our standards and comes with our name,” expressed Karen Kua-Lerma, president of Salcedo Auctions.
Just recently, I was invited to their exclusive preview of some of the most coveted items on sale featuring fine and decorative art, statement jewelry, antique and modern furniture and decor, and rare books and maps.
Salcedo Auctions over the past six years has earned the distinction of being the only internationally recognized auction house in the Philippines, having been included in the list of the “250 Best Auction Houses in the World in 2015,” according to the New York-based Blouin Art + Auction magazine.
The predominantly white space located in a tony Salcedo apartment was the perfect backdrop to showcase the extraordinary items up for auction, complemented by the sheer craftsmanship of Philux furniture on display that evening.
As I was admiring the beautifully curated art and furniture pieces, one particular painting caught my eye. Coincidentally, the very rare 1972 acrylic painting by National Artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera entitled A Cigarette Factory Worker was at the limelight of “The Collectors’ Sale.” According to Salcedo Auctions, this was part of BenCab’s first Larawan series exhibition.
“An ode to nostalgia, these works were borne out of the artist’s fascination with vintage Filipiniana photographs, books and ephemera that he collected while living in London in the ‘70s. Other works from this seminal series are presently in the private collections of the Zobel and Lopez families, as well as in museums such as the CCP and the Ateneo,” explained Richie Lerma of Salcedo Auctions.
That evening, I had to look twice to verify the starting bid for this lot. By the time this comes out, a lucky collector would have already made the highest bid to acquire this rare BenCab artwork. With my gift of foresight, I have a feeling that Salcedo Auctions has made another record sale.
Almost 400 lots in “The Collectors’ Sale” gathered a rich and diverse treasure trove of pieces that will certainly appeal to every purveyor of style. If you find joy in collecting, Salcedo Auctions celebrates it!
Now, the underlying question is whether you really want it or need it. More or less, it is up to you.
The online catalogue is available at salcedoauctions.com. For inquiries, call 659-4094, 823-0956, 0917-8946550 or email info@salcedoauctions.com.
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