Lalique crystal, Hermés ashtrays, Tiffany chargers as well as Botong Francisco drawings and Fernando Zobel watercolors are just some of the brilliant finds at León Exchange’s upcoming two-day online auction on July 27 and 28, to be held on the auction house and gallery’s website.
The first day of the auction will focus on “The Collector’s Vault,” which features many precious artworks, objects, as well as letters and stamps from the collection of famous figures. Oil on mother-of-pearl paintings, possibly attributed to Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, silver-backed brushes and magnifying glasses with tortoise-shell handles are some of the many treasures from the Ramon N. Villegas collection. Meanwhile, “The Property of a Prima Ballerina” showcases the books and paintings accumulated by the legendary Felicitas “Tita” Radaic over “a lifetime of dancing in the world’s capitals and a love of literature, wisdom and art.” Rare santos, all with National Museum stamps and collected by her husband, art historian and intellectual Ante Radaic, from across the islands are also featured.
The second day is the celebration of “L’Art de Vivre (The Art of Living Well)” with an auction of furniture, chandeliers and lamps, silverware, crystals and china from the Heiresses’ Homes and Tables section. Also included are exquisite lacquered accent pieces, tortoise-shell side tables and Edo-period gold leaf screens.
On both days, a section called “Found Objects” covers lithographs and prints, marvelous contemporary works and artist toys, mid-century modern finds as well as wardrobes, tables and chairs from all the featured eras.
The auction’s online platform aims to make it more convenient and comfortable for bidders. “The online auction gives clients the convenience of bidding through their mobiles or laptops, without having to trek all the way to where the physical auctions happen. This convenience makes online auctions for smaller-value — but no less enchanting — lots trending,” says León Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon.
Visit www.leonexchange.com to register as a buyer. Previews for the lots are ongoing.
