estateRUTH.

Identification

Chinese Export Bone and Bamboo Mahjong Set

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

Visual evidence confirms a Chinese export Mahjong set featuring dovetailed bone and bamboo tiles. The visible Haversian canals in the white material confirm bone rather than ivory.

Story

Produced in China during the 1920s specifically for the Western market, as evidenced by the integration of Western Arabic numerals and letters. These sets were exported in massive quantities during the Mahjong craze of the era. The secondary market for 1920s Chinese Export Mahjong sets remains active but highly stratified based on completeness. Buyers prioritize intact 5-drawer cabinets with original bone and bamboo tiles.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

The tiles exhibit standard wear consistent with age, retaining legible engravings and polychrome details. The primary condition variable is the unverified status of the cabinet's front sliding door, which drastically impacts the set's display utility and market tier.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for 1920s Chinese Export Mahjong sets remains active but highly stratified based on completeness. Buyers prioritize intact 5-drawer cabinets with original bone and bamboo tiles. Incomplete sets or orphaned tiles move primarily as replacement parts or decorator items at significant discounts.

Value Drivers

▲ Authentic 1920s bone and bamboo construction with visible Haversian canals.

▲ Presence of Western indices (Arabic numerals/letters) confirms export market appeal.

▲ Original 5-drawer wooden cabinet structure retained.

Concerns

▼ Unverified front sliding door — confirmation of its absence drops the estimate to the $125-$150 floor.

▼ Lack of verified maker's mark or original paper labels limits premium collector interest.

Best Venue

List on a high-traffic marketplace like eBay or a specialized auction platform. Clearly state whether the front sliding door is included in the listing title and description. If the door is missing, consider parting out the tiles if individual tile demand exceeds the $125 intact floor.

Upside Potential

If the front sliding door is present and bears a recognized maker's mark or premium retailer label, the set could reach or slightly exceed the $475 high-end.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 2 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Raffan Kelaher & Thomas Pty Ltd
    A CHINESE EXPORT BONE AND BAMBOO MAHJONG SET
    Link could not be verified.
    $140
  • Gray's Auctioneers· 2026-08-19
    A Vintage Chinese Mahjong Set
    Link could not be verified.
    $90