Balclis

About Balclis

Balclis is one of the most respected auction houses in Spain, with a particular reputation for fine art, antique jewelry, and Asian art. Founded in 1979 in Barcelona by Antonio Climent Benaiges and Juan Baldrich, the firm takes its name from a neologism combining the founders' surnames — Bal from Baldrich and Cli from Climent. The two men were drawn to the English auction model and set out to bring similar standards of transparency, expertise, and professionalism to the Spanish market.

History

Under the founders' stewardship, Balclis grew steadily, building relationships with collectors, dealers, and institutions across Spain and beyond. In 1995, a generational transition brought Tachu Climent to the helm, introducing a new vision focused on international expansion, strengthening institutional relationships, and assembling a team of highly experienced specialists. Over the decades since its founding, Balclis has auctioned more than 200,000 works of art, jewelry, and antiques.

Specialist departments

The firm's main areas of expertise are Old Master and Modern Art, Classical and Asian Antiques, and antique jewelry from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, with particular strength in Spanish painting from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Balclis holds the distinction of being the only Spanish auction house with a dedicated department specializing in Asian Art, covering Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian material including ceramics, bronzes, jade, lacquer, textiles, and paintings — a specialty that has attracted consignments from important European private collections.

The firm's relationship with Spain's leading cultural institutions reflects the quality of material passing through its salerooms: the Prado, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, the MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), and the Museo de Bellas Artes in Valencia have all acquired significant works through Balclis, relying on its expertise and provenance research.

Sales and selling with Balclis

The auction calendar includes major curated sales held several times a year featuring fine art, jewelry, antiques, and Asian art, supplemented by regular sales of decorative arts, furniture, silver, and collectors' items, conducted both in person at the Barcelona saleroom and online. For sellers, the consignment process begins with a valuation, arranged by visiting the Barcelona premises, submitting images online, or scheduling a home visit for larger collections or estates. The specialist team assesses each item, provides an estimate, and advises on the best sale format and timing; accepted consignments are professionally catalogued, photographed, and marketed to the firm's international buyer network, with commission rates negotiated at the time of consignment.

Buying and bidding

Buyers can bid in person, by telephone, by absentee bid, or through the online platform, with a buyer's premium charged on all lots at a percentage disclosed in the sale conditions. The firm coordinates shipping and delivery for domestic and international buyers, and for exports navigates Spain's specific regulatory requirements governing the export of cultural property.

Locations

Balclis benefits from its Barcelona location, a major cultural capital with a deep tradition of art collecting and patronage; the Catalan market provides a steady flow of quality consignments, and the city's international profile and tourist traffic help attract foreign collectors and dealers to the firm's sales and viewing events. All lots are available for viewing at the Barcelona premises ahead of each sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the name Balclis come from?

Balclis is a neologism combining the surnames of its founders, Antonio Climent Benaiges and Juan Baldrich — Bal from Baldrich and Cli from Climent.

What makes Balclis unique among Spanish auction houses?

Balclis is the only Spanish auction house with a dedicated department specializing in Asian Art, covering Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian material.

Which institutions have acquired works through Balclis?

The Prado, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, the MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), and the Museo de Bellas Artes in Valencia have all acquired significant works through Balclis.