An early 20th century Chinese Mahjong set housed in its original hardwood carrying case, complete with hand engraved bone and bamboo tiles, five removable drawers and original scoring sticks.
An early 20th century Chinese Mahjong set, dating from around 1910, housed in its original hardwood carrying case with a brass carrying handle and engraved brass fittings.
The sliding front panel reveals five removable drawers containing a complete set of finely hand engraved bone and bamboo tiles, together with the original scoring sticks and accessories. Each tile is carefully engraved and hand coloured in red, green and black pigments, demonstrating the quality and craftsmanship associated with the finest early export Mahjong sets.
Mahjong originated in China during the nineteenth century and rapidly gained popularity throughout Europe and America during the first decades of the twentieth century. Export sets such as this were admired not only for the game itself but also for the quality of their manufacture and their beautifully organised presentation.
The warm colour and attractive grain of the hardwood case are complemented by its original brass carrying handle and engraved fittings, while the five fitted drawers provide both practical storage and an elegant display of the beautifully crafted tiles.