Spend an afternoon surrounded by a diverse selection of artworks, collectibles, furniture, and antiques.
To be exact, there are 1,442 items up for grabs at the 29th edition of LeónExchange, the gallery’s online auction, happening from October 21 to 22, 2023. This astounding collection encompasses artwork, furniture, decor, collectibles, and antiques, among others.
And while previews at La Fuerza Plaza have been ongoing since last Saturday, León Gallery will be hosting a proper open house on Wednesday, October 18, at 2pm. Bidders, it’s your chance to appraise the lots up close and get a feel for the items that you will vie for this upcoming weekend.
a) Red Heart (Interaction with Mr. Mauro Malang Santos), brass; b) Red Heart, oil on canvas. Photos from León Gallery
Day 1 of LeónExchange, named “The Collectors Vault,” will feature an array of watches, jewelry, drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures, and art collectibles. Meanwhile, furniture, religious art, silver, tableware, chinoiserie, ephemera, and decor will take center stage on Day 2, aptly named “Heiresses’ Homes and Tables.”
Of particular interest to history buffs are the Philippine Barillas, the ancestors of our coinage and from which barya, the Filipino term for “loose change,” is derived from. Brought about by the need for small change in Manila during the Spanish colonial period, these artifacts were cut from copper rods or “varillas.”
As they were only needed in the capital city, the coin had little value and limited circulation at the time—today, they bear great historical significance to collectors and numismatists, or coin specialists.
Auction enthusiasts may also trace the beginnings of Philippine art, from the works of Fabian de la Rosa and Regino Garcia, to the eclectic styles of contemporary Filipino artists like BenCab and Ronald Ventura.
The LeónExchange Online Auction is on its 29th edition and will begin at 11 am on both October 21 and 22. Pieces can be viewed from October 14 to 20 from 9 am to 7 pm, at Leon Gallery La Fuerza. View the catalog here and register to bid via this link.
For more information, visit León Gallery’s official website, Facebook page, or Instagram account.
