Antique Chinese Mahjong Set, Bone Bamboo Tiles, Hand-Carved, c1900-1930, Wooden Box

A beautiful antique Chinese bone and bamboo Mahjong set, likely dating to the early 20th century (circa 1900-1930), comprising 134 hand-carved and hand-coloured tiles presented in a fitted wooden storage box with a lift-off lid.

Each tile is traditionally constructed with a hand-carved bone face mounted onto a bamboo backing, displaying the craftsmanship associated with early Chinese Mahjong sets. The engraved traditional Chinese characters and decorative motifs retain their original hand-coloured detailing, while the tiles have developed a wonderful natural patina through age and use.

The set includes the traditional Character (Wan), Bamboo and Circle suits together with the Wind and Dragon honour tiles. It has been carefully checked and is near complete, with only two identified missing tiles:

• One Green Dragon (發)
• One 6 Bamboo

Containing 134 original tiles, the set is just two tiles short of a complete 136-tile playing set, making it an excellent example for collectors, display, or as the basis for completion.

The tiles are housed in a well-made fitted wooden storage box with a removable lift-off lid. Whether this box is original to the set or an early replacement is unknown.

Approximate Date

Likely circa 1900-1930, based on the traditional bone and bamboo construction, hand-engraved decoration and period style. As with many antique Chinese items, an exact date or maker cannot be guaranteed.

Contents

• 134 original bone and bamboo Mahjong tiles
• Fitted wooden storage box with lift-off lid

Condition

Good antique condition with age-related wear consistent with over a century of careful use. The tiles display an attractive natural patina together with minor surface wear, light staining and slight separation between some bone faces and bamboo backs, which is typical of antique bone and bamboo Mahjong sets of this age.

The wooden box has honest age-related wear and remains sturdy, providing an attractive means of storing and displaying the set.

Please examine all photographs carefully as they form part of the description and condition report.

A wonderful early Chinese Mahjong set that combines traditional craftsmanship with decorative appeal, making it an excellent addition to any collection of Asian antiques, vintage games or historical decorative objects.