Amber Zhang MATERIAL goods are constantly evolving amid the hectic pace of modern life, with new consumer products and gadgets emerging every day. In the middle of all that flux, do you sometimes miss throwback items and antiques used in our childhood or by previous generations? I do. For me, heritage consists of more than just old things, rare finds, vintage collectibles and antique furniture. Heritage also consists of the stories and sweet memories such items evoke. I might have developed the hobby of collecting old things under the influence of my grandmother. The 82-year-old woman has lived through the chaos of war and severe famine, which causes her to cherish valued personal items in her home. As a result, my family still has a pot that’s been used for 60 years, a very old TV and radio set, a sewing machine used for more than 50 years, and even the spoon and glass nursing bottle I used when I was a baby. When family members gather, my grandmother proudly shows her treasures, such as wood furniture my grandfather made for her when they got married 60 years ago and a pillow-shaped trunk used to hide silver coins when they were forced to flee Shantou City during war in 1939. Through the items, my grandmother shares her personal moments of glory and sadness. Occasionally, I find people with similar hobbies in Hong Kong. Shirley Ny Yiu, who owns the Nlostnfound Living Shop in Wan Chai, told me that collecting and buying old items gradually has become a lifestyle not only for her, but an increasing number of Chinese. “When I opened the shop two years ago, most customers were from Western countries with traditions of keeping old things. Now, more and more young Chinese people come to my shop to search for their treasures,” Yiu said. Nlostnfound deals with a wide variety of commodities, including popular toys and utensils printed with advertisements from 1970s Hong Kong, a copper hand warmer from Hangzhou circa 1910, a 1930s gramophone from Shanghai, a 1950s desk lamp from Japan, prayer books and leather suitcases from the 1920s in Europe and phonographs from the 1980s. “I collect old things everywhere to meet customers’ diverse needs. When they unexpectedly discover what they want and the thing exactly fits their old memories, I feel satisfied,” Yiu said. While Yiu primarily collects small items, shop owner Mike Chan focuses on Hong Kong furniture from the 1950s. Movie director Wong Kar-wai borrowed some of Chan’s furniture for sets in “In the Mood for Love” and “2046.” Chan said he often collects old furniture from Hong Kong families who think the items are “rubbish.” He said he opened his shop not only for business, but also to help people maintain old memories and cherish possessions, even if they aren’t famous brands. Chan worries that Hong Kong’s fast development will create a city with no memories. In Shenzhen, some furniture sellers said they collect antique furniture from villages, then redesign the pieces to meet customers’ requirements. For example, a chest of drawers made of old elm wood could be redesigned as a writing desk for more practical use. Some Shenzhen shopping malls have held exhibitions to attract buyers of antiques and vintage items. The Mixc in Luohu District, for example, has held an exhibition featuring pictures of female models in Shanghai in the 1930s. Last year, Central Walk in Futian District exhibited Chinese radios from the 1980s. There is no rule for selecting old items, which is very much a matter of personal taste. Have fun searching and don’t be afraid to select special things that bring back precious memories. Where to shop (HK) Nlostnfound Living & Co. Shop 3, Francis Yard Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong 香港湾仔进围街3号铺 Tel: (00852) 2574-1328 Mike Chan Shop 4, Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong 香港湾仔星街4号铺 Tel: (00852) 2549-8800 | 