Description
Antique Chinese Mahjong Set in Wooden Case Bone & Bamboo Tiles C1920
A complete early 20th-century Chinese Mahjong set, dating to the 1920s, housed in its original wooden carrying case with brass mounts and fittings. The case features a sliding front panel inset with Chinese characters and opens to reveal five internal drawers containing the full set of tiles and accessories.
The tiles are traditional bone and bamboo construction, consistent with sets produced for both domestic use and export during the Republican period. This is a well-preserved and visually appealing example, retaining its original components.
- Period: c.1920s
- Origin: China
- Materials: Bone & bamboo tiles; wooden case with brass mounts
- Case Construction: Sliding front panel, five internal drawers, carrying handle
- Dimensions: approx. 24cm x 16.8cm x 16.5cm
- Total Weight: approx. 4,363 grams
The fitted wooden case is well made, with reinforced brass corner mounts, hinges, drawer fittings and a substantial carrying handle. The sliding front panel is decorated with applied green stone-effect characters set within a framed panel.
Inside are five drawers, each housing sections of the set. The Mahjong tiles are bone-faced with bamboo backs, with clearly defined hand-painted characters, circles, and bamboo suits. The set includes wind tiles, dragon tiles, flowers, and season tiles, along with accessories.
Also present are:
- Eight blank tiles
- Bone scoring sticks
- Bone wind discs
- Four miniature dice
The set appears complete and correctly matched, making it suitable for both display and use.
Condition
Good antique condition overall.
- Tiles show light age-related wear and patina, consistent with use
- Case shows surface wear, scuffs, and minor marks commensurate with age
- Brass fittings display natural oxidation
- Drawers open and close smoothly
- The front panel is missing the bottom part.
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