Salcedo Auctions presents its signature event The Well Appointed Life at The Peninsula throughout September 2017.
This first-ever, month-long celebration of the world of auctions mounted by the pioneer Philippine auction house with co-presenters The Peninsula Manila and Santos Knight Frank will begin with the unveiling of an architectural installation at The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila in the first week of September that will pay tribute to the four sale categories of The Well Appointed Life: Important Philippine Art, Connoisseur Collection, Fine Jewelry & Timepieces, and Rare Automobiles. This will be followed by an exclusive by-invitation gala reception on Wednesday 14 September at the Upper Lobby of The Peninsula, providing guests with a first glimpse of the items going under the hammer.
The preview opens to the general public on Friday 15 September and will run through Friday 22 September at The Gallery of The Peninsula.
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.
Now in its fourth year, The Well Appointed Life is the Philippines’ largest fine art and collectibles auction event.
“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.”
According to Mark Choon, general manager of The Peninsula Manila, the hotel has been a longtime supporter of the arts, having assembled a large collection of art by Philippine masters over the last forty years. He adds that each property in the Peninsula group worldwide is unique because it reflects the rich history and culture of its locations. The depth and breadth of the fine art and valuable objects presented by Salcedo Auctions in The Well Appointed Life continues this tradition. In addition to serving as the auction and preview venue, the grande dame of Makati luxury hotels will offer guests throughout September The Well Appointed Life Afternoon Tea, as well as special menu options throughout the hotel. To allow guests to be in the thick of the action, The Well Appointed Life Stay Package grants guests early access and a private guide at the auction preview, an invitation to the gala opening reception, pre-registration and reserved seating at the auctions, and a special culinary journey through the hotel’s dining establishments.
Santos Knight Frank is the Philippines’ market-leading, full service real estate organization. Its global partner Knight Frank is widely regarded as the most prestigious brand in luxury real estate. “We are able to showcase prime properties both in the Philippines and around the world and work with our high-net worth clients to complete complex cross-border investment transactions,” says Rick M. Santos, Chairman and CEO of Santos Knight Frank. “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.”
“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. Of course, being surrounded by objects of beauty gives us great satisfaction and delight, but so does the knowledge and satisfaction that comes with recognizing the historical importance of these pieces.”
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.

The Well Appointed Life is co-presented by The Peninsula Manila and Santos Knight Frank, with major partners Lexus and Globe Platinum, and premium audio partner Bowers & Wilkins.