Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A complete 144-tile mahjong set featuring hand-carved bovine bone faces dovetailed onto bamboo backings, housed in a traditional five-drawer rosewood chest with brass fittings. The set includes a full array of counting sticks (tallies) and wind discs, representing the height of the 1920s global mahjong craze.
Story
In 1922, Abercrombie & Fitch's founder started importing these sets, sparking a social obsession that swept through jazz-age parlors. This specific set's sliding front panel bears characters for 'Interest' or 'Delight'.
Maker / Origin
While often unsigned, these sets were produced by highly skilled guilds of carvers in Chinese port cities. These artisans adapted traditional Chinese gaming tools for a Western audience, often adding Arabic numerals to the tiles to make the game accessible to non-Chinese speakers.
Condition & Value
The cabinet shows beautiful patination; however, there is visible wear to the green pigment on the front panel. The tiles appear well-preserved with minimal yellowing, though the counting sticks show some expected scattering and minor warping. Condition is generally very good for the age.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.