What to expect at the Leon Exchange 38th Online Auction

Lot 164, Justin Nuyda (1944 - 2022), Mindscape Search-Glorious Majesty, signed and dated 2014, oil on canvas, 24” x 48” (61 cm x 121 cm)

The Philippine art scene is as vibrant as ever, especially as we continue to discover (and rediscover) works by renowned artists, from the contemporary scene to the masters.

In the upcoming 38th edition of the Leon Exchange Online Auction, collectors can find a compelling selection of work. Among the highlights of this sale, happening on Jan. 31, is a selection from the collection of Lorna Revilla Montilla, a respected anthropologist, writer, and artist.

Lot 158, Juvenal Sansó (1929 – 2025), Surging Waters, signed, ca.1970’s, acrylic on paper, 9 1/2” x 12 1/4” (24 cm x 31 cm)

Montilla has been nicknamed the “mother of many artists” owing to her many lifelong friendships with some of the country’s most prolific artists. Her collection includes works by Jose Joya, Juvenal Sanso, and Vicente Manansala.

Lot 09, IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar, IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Rattrapante Chronograph Model: Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Movement: Automatic Case material: Platinum Bracelet material: Crocodile skin No original box, no original papers

Works by other Filipino masters will also be featured in the auction. Justin Nuyda, Romeo Tabuena, and Augusto Albor each present distinct approaches to abstraction, reflecting the diverse paths modern Philippine art has taken. Roberto Chabet, widely regarded as the father of Philippine conceptual art, is represented through a mixed media work that exemplifies his quiet yet radical influence on contemporary practice. Completing the narrative of today’s art scene are works by Jayson Cortez, Rodel Tapaya, Johanna Helmuth, and Ronald Ventura, whose pieces highlight the continued vitality and experimentation of contemporary Filipino artists.

Lot 375, Johanna Helmuth (b. 1992), To Become More Accepting, signed and dated 2020, oil on canvas, 48” x 48” (122 cm x 122 cm)

Aside from noteworthy artworks, Leon Exchange also features an eclectic curation of historical artifacts and collectibles, including antique maps related to the Philippines, oriental jars, Cordillera bululs, and a coin associated with Emilio Aguinaldo.

Lot 318, Roberto Chabet (1937 – 2013), Black Car, signed, dated 1987, mixed media, 43 1/2” x 40” (110 cm x 102 cm)

Furniture, sculpture, and decorative arts likewise take center stage, with offerings that include ivory debultos of San Jose, La Inmaculada, and Niño Jesús housed in an ornate shadow box, a pair of Qing Dynasty Oriental pedestals, a 10-seater dining set, and an Ilocos four-poster bed. Collectors of luxury will also find an IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar watch, fine jewelry such as diamond hoop earrings, well-crafted sculptures, elegant tableware, an exquisite book collection, and even a Yamaha G3 Grand Piano.

Lot 467, An Ivory Debulto of La Inmaculada in a Lagang Adorned Shadow Box ivory and mother of pearl mary: H: 7” (18 cm) L: 2 1/2” (6 cm) W: 2” (5 cm) lagang: H: 18 1/2” (47 cm) L: 12 3/4” (32 cm) W: 3” (8 cm) with frame: H: 20” (51 cm) L: 14” (36 cm) W: 3 1/2” (9 cm)

Pieces selected by the “Prince of Chintz,” American interior designer Mario Buatta, will also be featured in the collection. Buatta was known for his unapologetically layered, colorful, and historically informed interiors that blended comfort with classic elegance. The pieces chosen thus reflect this rich, decorative style, balancing warmth with personality.

Lot 72, 1969 Philippine One Piso Silver Commemorative Coin, issued to celebrate the 100th Birth Anniversary (Centennial) of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines Obverse: A portrait of Aguinaldo flanked by the dates “1869 and 1969″ Reverse: Displays the official Coat of Arms of the Republic of the Philippines Technical Specification: Metallic Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper (0.9 Fine Silver) Weight: Approximately 26.5 grams Diameter: 38mm Mintage: 100,000 minted, all produced at the San Francisco Mint Comes with the original red biographical folder

Long regarded as a trusted platform for both seasoned collectors and those just beginning their journey, Leon Exchange remains committed to presenting a wide and thoughtful spectrum of Filipino art, from revered old masters to modernist and contemporary trailblazers. With each edition, the auction affirms its mission of nurturing future stewards of Philippine cultural heritage by making important works accessible to succeeding generations.

The Leon Exchange 38th Online Auction will be happening on Jan. 31 at 11:00 a.m. (GMT+8). Register to bid via leon-gallery.com