Vintage All-Bamboo Mah-Jongg Set in Silk-Patterned Case (c.1920s–1940s)

Vintage All-Bamboo Mah-Jongg Set in Silk-Patterned Case (c.1920s–1940s)

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A beautifully preserved early 20th-century Chinese set, complete with counters, coin marker and spare tiles.

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Discover the timeless charm of this vintage all-bamboo Mah-Jongg set, a wonderfully authentic example of Chinese craftsmanship from the Republic Period (circa 1920s–1940s). Made entirely from carved and engraved bamboo, this set captures the essence of traditional play long before the days of plastic and mass-manufacture. It is richly tactile, delightfully characterful, and carries nearly a century of history in every tile.

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Housed in its original silk-patterned presentation case—a vibrant textile-covered box with a deep red interior—this is the type of set that travellers, expatriates and Western collectors often brought home from China between the wars. Sets of this era were produced in small workshops in Southern China, each tile carved by hand and inked individually, making no two sets precisely alike.

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🀄 About the Tiles

This set includes hand-carved bamboo tiles throughout, with the fronts engraved and ink-filled in traditional colours. Each tile shows the charming irregularities that define early workshop production—slightly varied lines, unique grain patterns, and a warm, honeyed patina from age and play.

Full Tile Breakdown (Complete):

36 Bamboos (1–9 × four of each)

36 Dots (1–9 × four of each)

36 Characters (1–9 × four of each)

16 Winds – East, South, West and North × four

12 Dragons – Red, Green and White × four

4 Bonus Flowers/Seasons (hand-painted)

2 spare blank tiles

The lettering and imagery remain clear and attractive, with age-softened ink lines adding to the piece’s authenticity and charm.

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🧧 Counters & Accessories

A rare and highly desirable feature of this set is the inclusion of its original scoring sticks (counters)—thin slivers of bamboo traditionally used to track points during play. Many sets lose theirs over time, so their presence is a lovely detail for collectors.

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Also included:

A traditional Chinese coin marker, often used to mark the prevailing wind

Two spare blank tiles, used historically to replace losses

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🎎 Presentation Case

The tiles are stored in a beautifully decorated case wrapped in multi-coloured brocade fabric, with a rich red interior lining. This type of case was commonly produced in Canton and Shanghai for the export market and adds wonderful decorative appeal. The colour remains vibrant, and the box displays the expected gentle wear of age.

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🕰️ Historical Notes

During the early 20th century, Mah-Jongg swept across Europe and America, becoming a fashionable pastime among travellers, diplomats, and the artistic circles of the 1920s. Sets like this one—made entirely from bamboo—were the preferred style before bone-and-bamboo hybrid tiles became widespread.

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The warm, tactile quality of an all-bamboo set is unmistakeable. Players often spoke of the soft “clack” the tiles made when shuffled, and the way the bamboo gained character with every game. Today, these sets are prized for their craftsmanship, scarcity, and display value.

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🪵 Condition

This is a well-preserved vintage set with age-appropriate wear throughout:

Bamboo tiles retain a warm sheen and excellent legibility

Engraving depth varies slightly tile to tile — typical of hand-carving

Ink lines are intact with gentle mellowing from age

Counters are clean and complete

Box is solid with cosmetic wear to edges and faint fabric fraying

Interior remains vibrant, with a striking red finish

All trays slide and present neatly

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A truly lovely example for collectors, players, and interior stylists alike.

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⭐ Why This Set Stands Out

Fully carved all-bamboo tiles – highly sought after

Complete with all tiles plus blanks

Original scoring sticks included

Decorative silk brocade case

Authentic early 20th-century craftsmanship

A wonderful collectible for display, gifting, or gentle play

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💡 Perfect For:

Vintage and antique collectors

Mah-Jongg enthusiasts

Oriental art and décor lovers

Interior stylists and prop dressers

Gift-givers looking for something unique and historically rich