If you drop by MC Home Depot along bustling Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City, you may chance upon a store whose façade bears the name The Legacy Collection. Through its glass doors, sculptural pieces with an unmistakable Chinese imperial character immediately catch the eye. For those inclined toward art and heritage, the invitation to step inside is hard to resist.

“There are around 250 pieces,” said project manager Elrich K. Que. “These include vintage hand-painted vases, glass tabletops, figurines, and peacock sculptures. They are made of porcelain, not wood, and are valued at millions of pesos. They are currently up for sale, with discounts, until the end of the year.”

The objets d’art were first brought to the Philippines in 2007 by Chinese traders who partnered with local counterparts. They were initially displayed in several booths at the World Trade Center in Makati City. After the exhibition, the pieces were meant to be returned to China. However, a close relative of Que — his aunt — developed a strong interest in the collection and negotiated a package deal with the Chinese partners. The artworks have remained in her possession for nearly 20 years.