The light that shines within

One of the oldest artifacts up for bidding is a santo from Laguna -- a late 18th to early 19th century processional figure of the patron saint of builders, San Vicente de Ferrer. Its expressive face and hands delicately carved in ivory with a painted hardwood body and base, silver halo and a signature wings crafted in tin.

Luis Espiritu·3 September 2024, 1:03 am

Salcedo Auctions shines a light on the country’s ecclesiastical heritage at its forthcoming The Well-Appointed Life auction.

The ecclesiastical objects lined up for Salcedo Auctions’ marquee event, The Well-Appointed Life live and online sale, strongly resonate with the theme “Light That Shines Within.” Each piece is part of the rich narrative of our heritage, crafted in the changing styles that echoed the trends of the times.

solid ivory ‘Santo Niño Dormido’ in a French style virina, ivory, 14k rose gold jewelry on the Niño, polychrome, glass & wood virina, 18th century, Paoay, Ilocos
PhotoGRAPHS COURTESY OF SALCECO AUCTIONS

As seen in the highlights of the ecclesiastical section, our ancestors expressed their devotion in different materials, from ivory, wood and metal to oil painted on wood. Having been completed in different times and parts of the country, the items are also visual documentations of their varied aesthetics.

One of the oldest artifacts up for bidding is a santo from Laguna -- a late 18th to early 19th century processional figure of the patron saint of builders, San Vicente de Ferrer, its expressive face and hands delicately carved in ivory with a painted hardwood body and base, silver hall and signature wings crafted in tin.

set of bejeweled ivory head and hands of the ‘Inmaculada Concepcion,’ c. early 19th century Bulacan (left); A solid ivory ‘Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepcion’ figure from 19th century Manila.