Silverwork from Altar Frontal

Exquisite framed silver works from an altar frontal

 

Estimate: PHP 120,000 - 130,000

 

19th century

Central Luzon

Silver, kamagong

16 x 55 cm (6 x 21 1/2 in)

 

During the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, only the best artisans – including silversmiths – were used to work on ornamentations to decorate the churches’ altars. This excellently crafted work in fine silver were parts of a large and intricate church altar frontal incorporating ivyleaf morning glory (Ipomea hederacea) with foliates and vines interlacing sinuously, combining repoussé and chasing techniques to obtain an exceptionally naturalistic appearance. As morning glory flower blooms and dies within a single day but the vine produces new flowers every day during its growth season, it has come to symbolize the renewable nature of love, and to Christians the finite nature of life. Framed beautifully in dark kamagong wood.

 

Lot 207 of the Salcedo Auctions auction on 26 September 2020. Please see salcedoauctions.com for more details.

Done