Asia is in!

Some time ago, I had the exciting opportunity to act as auctioneer in the sale of antique furniture from the Tomlinson Collection. The bidding was frenzied, the guests conspicuously bent on acquiring the furniture. I, in the middle of the melee, could very well understand their vigor, for at stake were some of the finest works of art from the Qing Dynasty.

The Tomlinson Antique House has been known as Asia’s leading specialist in Oriental art pieces. Established in Singapore in 1975, they initially sold Buddha images but later expanded their portfolio to include classic and provincial Chinese furniture, dragon robes, terra-cotta figurines, porcelain jars, exotic carpets and ivory carvings. The Tomlinson Collection encompasses the rich, fascinating diversity of the ancient cultures of China, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Japan, Tibet and other civilizations. Today, Tomlinson has 16 branches all over Southeast Asia. We have one in Makati and another (known as Raffles Fine Arts) in Manila.

According to the Tomlinson management, the trend for eclectic yet clean designs for the home mirrors the sensibilities of individuals who lead a fast-paced lifestyle and therefore seek tranquility at home. This peace and stability serves as a "kind of anchor to a heritage or history in this fast-progressing, high-tech world." Thus, we witness the popular reappearance of ancient systems like yoga and tai chi, the use of Zen in interior designs, even the increasing fame of Asian artists. In other words, people, Asia is in!

The Tomlinson Collection has always been about Asia, so I was ecstatic when I observed at the auction that ordinary people have become crazy about Asia, too. There was truly much to rave about – almost all the items on sale date back to the Qing Dynasty (early to late 19th century). The furniture are made from Elmwood, ju wood and the precious rosewoods zitan and huang huali. (Zitan and huang huali are two of the best hardwoods in the world. Both are, sad to say, believed to be extinct.)

First, there’s the horseshoe-back armchair, used in banquet settings as a seat of honor. It is designed to be graceful, with the back rail and arms forming a semi-circle. A folding version of the horseshoe chair is the portable hunting chair, which was originally a seat for emperors and princes during expeditions and excursions.

For Chinese doctors, there’s the essential medicine chest. The drawers are carved with Chinese inscriptions of the herbs to be stored. Then there’s the wanli or tapered cabinet, considered a masterpiece of cabinet making, as only the most skilled craftsmen were able to construct them. The Tomlinson showcase included a wanli with spindle doors in Elmwood. It was most probably placed in the kitchen or bedside chamber to keep utility ware or personal memorabilia.

The collection is too extensive – over 100, in fact – to be described fully. My personal favorite, though, is the wedding canopy, a part of a young bride’s marriage bed (and surely a silent witness to wedding night bliss). Its red, gold and green colors are symbols of wealth, progress and long life for both husband and wife. Carved in the four inner corners are bats, to usher in good luck and happiness. At the center is the gloriously-fashioned phoenix, signifying that the bride is "empress for a day" on her wedding day. Anyone, bride or not, would surely want to purchase such exquisite art. Ornate in detail, classic in design and rich in meaning, the wedding canopy represents not only the best in Chinese culture but in Asian heritage as well.

* * * The Collantes Art Collection

The Collantes Art Collection One of the most exalted ladies in Philippine society is Consuelo "Chito" Madrigal Collantes – an astute businesswoman, generous philanthropist, Papal awardee and loving wife to Manuel "Manny"’ Collantes. Over the years, Chito’s discriminating taste has guided her in acquiring one of the most breathtaking art collections in Manila.

Chito’s personal art collection is displayed in a special receiving room where few are invited. Taking centerstage in the room is an early Amorsolo painting of Chito herself as a young, enthralling socialite in a timeless black ballgown. Below the gilt-edged painting is a marble-topped Louis IV table with gold leaf design. Standing proud on this capiz table is a colorful and intricately-designed porcelain vase.

Surrounding the Amorsolo painting are priceless works by other masters: a black-and-white sketch by Juan Luna and paintings by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo and Anita Magsaysay-Ho. On another wall is a gold-framed Juan Luna masterpiece, depicting a sitting European lady and a nurse.

Aside from the paintings, many other invaluable objets d’art fill the receiving room. Unusual figurines are housed in a little gold metal and glass case. Beside the green curtain is a fabulous mirror with gold-leaf frame, and in front of the mirror is a magnificent antique vase depicting a lady and two angels in a garden. In one section of the room is a one-of-a-kind harp (Chito used to play the harp with admirable skill) that museums all over the world wanted to purchase. Chito, to whom the harp must have immeasurable sentimental value, refused the offers.

Indeed, to anyone with an eye for beauty, the whole receiving room is a sight to behold. But to Chito, it holds a trove of sentiments and memories that no mere treasure can equal.