This milestone event features more than 800 lots — the largest number ever offered in a single-day sale in the pioneering auction house’s history — showcasing an extraordinary breadth of works that capture the spirit of discovery and enlightenment.
The sale is distinguished by pieces from renowned collections, including treasures from the family of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, esteemed collectors Manuel and May Soliven, trailblazing fashion designer Auggie Cordero, and the enigmatic architect and interior designer Johnny Ramirez.
Continuing its triumphant 15th anniversary celebration, Salcedo Auctions unveils a landmark lineup for its September edition of “The Well-Appointed Life” sale.
This milestone event features more than 800 lots — the largest number ever offered in a single-day sale in the pioneering auction house’s history — showcasing an extraordinary breadth of works that capture the spirit of discovery and enlightenment.
The sale is distinguished by pieces from renowned collections, including treasures from the family of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, esteemed collectors Manuel and May Soliven, trailblazing fashion designer Auggie Cordero, and the enigmatic architect and interior designer Johnny Ramirez.
The art section alone is remarkable, ranging from academic treasures and pre- and post-war masterpieces to significant contemporary works.
Building on the momentum of its last auction’s record-breaking post-war modernists, this sale presents major works by National Artists Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, H.R. Ocampo, Arturo Luz, and BenCab; a delightful neo-realist masterwork by Manuel Rodriguez Sr.; a rich selection of oils and gouaches by Mauro Malang Santos; and an iconic and impressively sized piece by Lao Lianben.
At the conservative end of Philippine art’s spectrum stands National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, asserting the import of tradition in four paintings dating from as early as 1928 through the 1960s.
Just as compelling are works that capture pivotal junctures before full-tilt transitions. Among them, a very early Anita Magsaysay-Ho untitled oil on canvas landscape from 1944 that articulates her classical grounding; National Artist Vicente Manansala’s “Seashore” from 1953 hinting at the prismatic idiom that ultimately defined his practice; Cenon Rivera’s “Via del Babuin” from 1963 -a rare sample from his Italian phase, preceding the synthesis of his European impulses with Filipino sensibilities; and Pacita Abad’s “Pandu Dewanata,” a bookpiece and cover piece from her Indonesian sojourn.
This edition of “The Well-Appointed Life” also showcases a compelling lineup from the younger generation of Philippine contemporary artists. Among the highlights is a rare piece by Annie Cabigting, “An Afternoon with Rothko” — part of the ‘meta-paintings’ showing art being contemplated in galleries, now considered a grail among collectors.
Other notable works on offer include Kawayan de Guia’s surreal untitled mixed-media piece from 2010, Bernardo Paquing’s intriguing “Pernickety” from 2007, alongside paintings, sculptures and fine prints by Ronald Ventura, Andres Barrioquinto, Elmer Borlongan, Lynyrd Paras, and Demi Padua, among others.
Without a doubt, two of the most awaited lots are from the descendants of Narcisa Rizal-Lopez, the favorite sister of Dr. Jose Rizal. Offered at auction for the very first time, these objects carry immense historical and cultural significance. One is Rizal’s charcoal-on-paper portrait of a European gentleman, a reminder of an artistic pursuit selflessly set aside in service to the Philippine Revolution.
His “Historia Natural” (Biology) report card from Ateneo Municipal, bears the grade “Aprovechamiento, segunda clase” (Good, second class/honors), offering a humanizing glimpse into the young Rizal — dispelling the myth that he always finished at the top of all his classes.
Complementing the lots from Rizal’s estate are two works by National Artist BenCab— “Rizal’s Foreign Loves” and “Segundina, Rizal’s First Love.” Created to mark the centenary of Rizal’s martyrdom, these pieces illuminate the women who captured his heart at different moments of his brief yet extraordinary life - an intimate counterpoint to his public legacy.
Other major highlights include a remarkable lot of 49 excavated pottery pieces, an impressively crafted San Miguel Arkanghel from the estate of Johnny Ramirez, and a very rare map (circa 1563-1554) by the famed Italian geographer and travel writer Giovanni Battista Ramusio.
From the jewelry and timepieces section, there is a 22K diadem and facial covers (from the estate of Johnny Ramirez), an 18k yellow and rose gold tambourine necklace with Nazareno pendant, an 18k gold Butuan royal belt, and a series of top-tier Rolex watches, underscoring the breadth of “The Well-Appointed Life” and the diverse passions it speaks to—heritage, faith, artistry, and refinement. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Salcedo Auctions 'The Well Appointed Life’' sale presented with exclusive bank partner UnionBank Elite takes place on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, with a 10 a.m. Morning Sale (online auction), and a 2 p.m. Afternoon Sale (live and online auction), at NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. View the catalogue and register to bid at salcedoauctions.com.
