Did you know that our generic term for the oil lamp with a glass chimney, kinke, comes from its original supplier to the Islands, the Quinquet Factory of France? That Luzon was named after lusong, the rice mortar (now a collectible) that early Spanish soldiers found under every nipa hut?

These are only some of the pithy tidbits in the book by Felice Sta. Maria which inventories the contents of a late 19th century and early 20th century house. The earthly possessions of the rich were dazzling indeed! The writer places the furniture, lamps, glassware, china and silver, art and decorations, toys and clothes and kitchenware in the context of our ancestors' gracious and festive lifestyle. How disconcerting to find out that we imported everything from bathtubs to thimbles - and that the imports were hardly Europe's or America's best. Not a whit of it, however, subtracts from the value and charm that time, grime and nostalgia have bestowed on Philippine antiques.