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Market of Masterpieces: The 33rd Leon Exchange Online Auction
Leon Exchange, the online arm of Leon Gallery, returns this October 26, 2024 for its 33rd edition, presenting an extraordinary collection of fine art, rare jewelry, and exquisite furniture that offers a glimpse into the finest estates in Manila. As the auction coincides with Museums and Galleries Month, it encapsulates the celebration of Filipino culture through an array of significant pieces, making it a must-attend event for art lovers, collectors, and connoisseurs alike.
In an exclusive interview, Jaime de Leon, founder of Leon Gallery, shared insights into the significance of the auction and its parallels with renowned auction houses like Paris’s Hôtel Drouot. “It’s like a flea market for treasures,” he says, referring to the diversity of offerings that span from classical pieces to mid-century modernMid-Century ModernA design movement from roughly the 1940s to the 1960s, known for clean lines, organic curves, open plans, and a close relationship between indoors and outdoors. Filipino architects such asGo to Mid-Century Modern Glossary gems. “The best pieces always find their way to auctions. Families turn to auctions for transparency, especially when dividing estates—everything is done in the open.”
This edition is a veritable showcase of distinguished collections. Among the standout offerings is a Belle Époque brooch adorned with a large diamond from The Jewels of Doña Margarita Zóbel de Ayala, a piece that is sure to capture the attention of jewelry connoisseurs. Alongside this exceptional item, the auction also features rare paintings and sketches by some of the Philippines’ most celebrated artists, including Juan Luna, Justin Nuyda, Jose Blanco, and Angelito Antonio. Also on the block are works by Fernando Amorsolo, Cesar Legaspi, Jose Joya, and Ivi Cosio—a collection that highlights both the breadth and depth of Philippine art.
A Flea Market of Fine Art
What makes Leon Exchange distinctive is its ability to bring treasures from Manila’s finest homes into the hands of collectors worldwide. As Jaime de Leon explains, “There’s a thrill in sifting through the pieces, like being in a flea market in Paris or Madrid, where you spot treasures hidden among everyday items.” This auction serves as a portal to the past, offering historical artifacts, santos (religious icons), and rare silver from family altars, along with modern masterpieces from these celebrated Filipino artists.
Among the auction’s other highlights is a kamagongKamagongA dense, dark hardwood from a native Philippine ebony tree, known for its near-black heartwood and fine grain. Valued for heirloom furniture, carvings, and decorative objects, kamagong timber is nowGo to Kamagong Glossary refectory table from the Don Eugenio “Geny” Lopez, Jr. collection, reflecting the grandeur of Filipino heritage furniture, as well as an extraordinary Manansala from the collection of Don J. Antonio Araneta. These pieces represent not just the affluence of their previous owners but the evolving story of Philippine art. For de Leon, every item has a story, and part of the joy of the auction is discovering it.
Transparency in Auctions
De Leon explained that auctions offer an ideal solution for managing estates, especially those with co-owned assets. Through auctions, each item’s true value is transparently established, allowing all parties to fairly benefit from the proceeds. This approach, he noted, simplifies the process and ensures an equitable distribution without the complexities of dividing individual pieces.
This transparency has made Leon Exchange an attractive venue for buyers and sellers alike, with pieces available at accessible prices. “Buyers come to auctions for the possibility of finding something truly valuable at a great price,” de Leon added. “There are jackpots to be found in every sale, whether it’s a rare piece of art or a beautiful antique.”
How to Participate
Bidders can participate in the auction online by registering at Leon Gallery website. Real-time bidding starts at 11:00 AM on auction day. For those wanting to preview the pieces in person, Leon Gallery is open to the public for viewing until October 25, 2024, Friday before the auction, offering a rare chance to see these items up close.
The 33rd Leon Exchange Online Auction promises to be an exciting event for art enthusiasts, with works from both modern and classical masters, luxury items, and unique artifacts that capture the essence of Philippine culture. From the rich legacies of the Araneta and Lopez families to the abstract works of Saguil, this auction is more than just a sale—it’s a celebration of history, culture, and art.
Photographed by Ed Simon.
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