P3 million Ifugao Hagabi bench, paintings from BenCab, Fernando Amorsolo up for auction this September
For generations, Filipinos have honored their heritage through the preservation of heirlooms, stories, and even ancestral homes. It continues to this day, as people seek authentic artifacts in souvenir and antique shops and even auction houses.
Auction house Salcedo Auctions showcases its tribute to Filipino roots and talents as it announces its lineup for its online auction on Sept. 14.
Showcasing a curated selection of masterpieces from renowned Filipino artists, "The Well-Appointed Life" auction embodies the theme "The Life That Shines Within." This exceptional collection features a magnificent Ifugao bench and paintings by national artistic luminaries like Fernando Amorsolo, H.R. Ocampo, and BenCab.
“This collection is a tribute to the inner brilliance that drives us to excel, much like the remarkable spirit displayed by our athletes in the recent Olympic victories,” Richie Lerma, chairman of Salcedo Auctions explained.
“Their achievements have brought immense pride to our nation, reflecting the same light that art brings into our lives—a light that inspires, uplifts, and unites us,” he added.
For this year’s event, the hagabi bench is one of the most captivating antique Filipino pieces, estimated to cost P3.5 million. Coming from the 19th to the 20th century, the Northern Uplands prestige bench is known as the ultimate symbol of wealth and power, allowed only for rich Ifugao families or the Cadangyan class.
The bench is purely made from a single trunk of Narra wood, and it is traditionally carved to mark the beginning of celebratory feasts, also known as hagabi feast.
Some other highlighted artworks showcase a wondrous curiosity and awe, such as the three paintings by National Artist BenCab—the latest "Sabel" dated 2008, an earlier and more figurative expressionist version of "Sabel" from 2000, and a captivating artwork from 1970 titled "The Door" from the Glenda Jackson collection, London. Prices of the paintings range from P2 million to P22 million.
Fernando Amorsolo and National Artist H.R Ocampo also had their paintings featured for bidding for around P3.8 million to P15 million. Amorsolo’s piece "Harvesting Perales from 1949" expresses romantic representation and warmth, while three of Ocampo’s paintings show a rare watercolor study from 1945 and oil on canvas paintings with a visual melody phase in 1978.
 copy.jpg)
The Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción figure, the Inmaculada Concepcion, Santo Niño Dormido, Santo Niño, and a baroque-style niche carved from molave are perfect for those seeking to incorporate religious symbolism into their prayer corners.
"The Well-Appointed Life" live and online auction will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 2 p.m.
The online catalog will be available starting Aug. 24 at salcedoauctions.com; in-person viewing in Manila is from Sept. 5 to 13 at NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.