Conversation starters: Evocative paintings, iconic furniture, and more at the Tercero auction

Encounters with family and friends, peppered with lovely conversations about everything and nothing, are some of the things we sorely miss in our isolation due to the pandemic. Now that restrictions are beginning to loosen up, and everyone is in the mood to catch up and be in the company of good friends, it would be nice to go back to the old rituals of casual get-togethers where engaging conversations can last up to the wee hours of the night.

 

 

There is no reason to run out of things to talk about, especially if your home is decorated with art pieces that are sure to catch the eye of raconteurs and amateur critics. At Casa de Memoria’s Tercero auction, ongoing until July 31, bidders can look forward to an amazing selection of paintings, iconic furniture and art pieces that can serve as conversation starters to get everyone in a jovial mood.

 

Untitled hyperrealist empty rocks glass oil painting by Portuguese artist Teresa Dias Coelho

 

The Lhuillier-managed auction house has once again outdone itself in putting together an exquisite showcase of decorative vintage items that can spark riveting stories and serve their purpose of elevating the overall décor and ambiance of one’s home.

 

Lithography by the renowned artist Fernando Zobel

 

For instance, the untitled hyperrealist oil painting on canvas depicting an empty rocks glass by Portuguese artist Teresa Dias Coelho (Lot 90, starting price P80,000) lithography by the renowned artist Fernando Zobel (Lot 52, P40,000).  A surrealist still life of lemons floating in mid-air by the sea is likewise an unlikely subject that’s depicted in “Bodegón Onírico Junto al Mar,” a 20th century oil-on-canvas piece by Spanish painter Martin Zerolo (1928-2003).

 

A 20th century oil-on-canvas depiction of floating lemons by the sea titled “Bodegón Onírico Junto al Mar” by Spanish painter Martin Zerolo

 

From paintings, the conversation can easily move on to interesting furniture pieces. And what could be more interesting than a bloody-red lip-shaped chair?  Tercero’s mid-20th century European pop “lips” style chair (Lot 61, P15,000) is most likely inspired by the inimitable Salvador Dali’s sensational 1938 “Mae West Lips Sofa” and will certainly make guests wonder whether one could/should actually sit on such a fascinating piece of furniture.

 

A mid-20th century European pop “lips” style chair

 

The stories can take a “kwentong barbero” turn with a fascinating pair of early 20th century Spanish barber’s armchair by Daniel Acha (Lot 1, P160, 000) which feature reclining seats made of cast iron, wood, and white porcelain, with soliya seats and backrests.

 

An early 20th century Spanish barber’s armchair by Daniel Acha

 

Meanwhile, a piece of furniture that guests can ‘critique’ while reposing, perhaps with a drink in hand, is the stylish pair of 19th century Portuguese mahogany fauteuils in Louis XV style(Lot 63, P40, 000) upholstered with toile settees by stylist Monchet Olives. This is surely an inviting space for you and your friends to settle in and catch up.

 

A 19th century Portuguese mahogany fauteuils in Louis XV style upholstered by stylist Monchet Olives

 

One can literally light up the room with the enchanting 20th century Italian gilt-ceramic lamps by Artepiu Ceramiche d’Este that have been refreshed by Michelle Lao of Solano, such as “Artepiu Este” Gilt Ceramic Lamps with Peony Motif (Lot 34, P25,000) and an Oriental Male Figure (Lot 36, P20, 000). The magical glow cast by these pieces can make for mesmerizing late night conversations.

 

A 20th century Italian gilt-ceramic lamps with Oriental Male Figure refreshed by Michelle Lao of Solano

 

Are your guests fans of antique Chinese porcelains, the reign of emperors and courtly splendours?  A pair of late 20th century Portuguese porcelain octagonal armorial plates (Lot 79, P40,000) by Vista Alegre Royal Factory  will most probably spark their interest. The twin plates, market “Mottahedeh,” depict coats of arms from the Ch’ien Lung period.

 

A late 20th century Portuguese porcelain octagonal armorial plates by Vista Alegre Royal Factory

 

There are more fascinating and splendid pieces aside from the above — from chandeliers and porcelains, to artworks and antique colorful fabrics — that will be up for auction. The other good news is, if you take home an auction piece from Tercero, you will be supporting a worthwhile cause as Casa de Memoria will donate part of the auction proceeds to a local charitable institution to help those badly affected by the pandemic.

 

 

The auction preview is ongoing until July 30, 2021. You may set an appointment to view the items in person at hello@casadememoria.com. To explore the auction pieces online, visit bit.ly/CasaDeMemoriaOnline. For more information, visit www.casadememoria.com, call 8253-3994, or e-mail hello@casadememoria.com.