Metro Manila’s passionate art collectors and enthusiasts gathered for a preview of carefully-curated antiquities from Europe and Asia that is to go on auction at Casa de Memoria’s 2nd anniversary on May 5. Casa de Memoria’s Marketing Manager Camille Lhuillier and Creative Director Miguel Rosales lead this year’s preview, which was attended by the auction house’s newest brand ambassador Heart Evangelista-Escudero. A renowned artist and art enthusiasts herself, Escudero revealed at the event that she used to feel intimated by auctions, but now feels at home with her new partnership with Casa de Memoria.
The upcoming collection on auction this Saturday presents an impressive array of paintings, furniture, glass and crystal, metalwork, silver, and ivory dating between the 17th century, all the way up to the 20th century. There will be total of 193 heritage pieces on auction that showcases the complex craftsmanship of artists from a forgotten time. One of the most anticipated items is the auction house’s best-selling palitera (or metal toothpick holder) with intricate detailing of a Roman solider with a raised sword and shield. Made with Portuguese silver, the palitera dates back to the 20th century and is ideal addition to complete any lavish banquet table.
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Also on auction is a pair of Sevres-style porcelain hand-painted vases which rise approximately two feet tall. Other anticipated pieces are early-day portrait studies of Filipino artist Romeo Tabuena and a fall-front secretaire with marquetry in wood and ivory from the Edwardian period. A variety of antique silver is anticipated to catch the attentions of the collectors as well. For instance, a 19th century rectangular silver tray in Napoleon III style from Portugal’s most popular silversmith Leitão&Irmão will be on sale, as well as other Portuguese silver pieces from the coastal trading town of Porto, Portugal.
An assortment of ivory works brings together the cultures of the East and West. A meticulously sculpted Chinese family in a traditional house, a rare statue of Greek mythical gods Artemis and Apollo, and a diptych with horsemen carved in the interiors with geometric carvings on the exteriors, are only a few on auction. In addition, the Philippines is represented as well through a rare 17th century Hispano-Filipino depiction of the Santo Niño Peregrino. To round up the lot, the glass and crystal collection is just as impressive. A rococo revival gild wooden mirror filled with history from France takes center stage.
Casa de Memoria will auction off this collection at its showroom along Jupiter Street in Makati City on May 5. For inquiries, visit casadememoria.com or call (02) 7720414. Collection catalogues are available.
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