Throughout his life, Master Xia Jing Shan was a traditional Chinese artist who imbued his personal experiences and beliefs into each brushstroke and every delicate application of paint on canvas. From painting scenic landscapes, spiritual figures, flowers, cranes and more, the genius painter's undying passion and love for the arts have deeply resonated with global audiences.

As a way to immortalize a lifetime of work, his paintings are being held on tour exhibitions to promote Chinese Buddhist culture and artistry, allowing spectators to see how the master Chinese artist expressed his personal introspection through unique yet philosophical paintings.

Dr. Chung-Chieh Chao, the president of Xia Jing Shan Arts and Culture Foundation, delved deep into the life and works of the master traditional Chinese artist as he made a soul-transforming exploration of the world of Chinese Buddhist art on 1 March.

The discussion gave guests a more profound insight into some of Xia Jing Shan's art, two of which will be a part of Salcedo Auction's The Well-Appointed Life catalog: The Avalokitesvara and Lotus-Dragon and Buddha's Nirvana.

The Avalokitesvara and Lotus-Dragon is an intricate and meticulous depiction of two figures: the Avalokitesvara, adorned in fine jewelry; and a Shancai Boy, whose gaze speaks volumes as he looks up and seeks eternal guidance. The empty background enhances the storytelling by adding a juxtaposition between the figures.

Meanwhile, Buddha's Nirvana features Nirvana, a significant theme in Buddhism, which means "a state of peace and enlightenment devoid of suffering." In the painting, Buddha is surrounded by his 10 major disciplines, with his mother, Queen Maya, hovering above them in the clouds.

Buddha's Nirvana was created by Xia Jing Shan when he was 63 years old.

Xia Jing Shan's masterful paintings will be a part of Salcedo Auction's inaugural March edition of The Well-Appointed Life, which marks the auction house's first of four major events this year.

The collection will showcase exquisite and diverse Philippine and international art from a stellar line-up of local and global artists. It will feature over 300 expertly curated lots composed of traditional and contemporary art, jewelry, sculptures and furniture, historical pieces and collectible spirits.

Apart from Xia Jing Shan, the catalog will showcase art from Japanese artists Tsuguharu Fujita, Yayoi Kusama and Yoshitimo Nara.

The catalog will also feature the art of Philippine master painters Félix Resurreción Hidalgo and Felix Martinez, National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Victorio Edades, Vicente Manansala, HR Ocampo and Guillermo Tolentino, as well as the Pioneer of Installation Art, JUNYEE.

Finally, it will showcase leading contemporary artists like Jigger Cruz, Rodel Tapaya and Ronald Ventura, who have gained local and international acclaim for their paintings.

The preview of The Well-Appointed Life auction will run until 8 March at NEX Tower, Aya Avenue, Makati City. Meanwhile, a live and online auction will take place on 9 March at 2 p.m.