Asian Game Appraisal

Vintage Mahjong Set with Two-Tone Tiles in Carrying Case

This item is a vintage Mahjong set, clearly visible within a brown zippered carrying case lined with green fabric. The set consists of numerous individual Mahjong tiles, each approximately rectangular in shape. The tiles feature a distinctive two-toned construction: a creamy ivory to off-white opaque material on the playing face, and a vibrant green translucent or opaque material forming the back and sides. This two-layer design is characteristic of many Mahjong sets, often indicating an older manufacturing process or material like bakelite or celluloid, though without closer inspection, definitive material identification is difficult. Many of the tiles display traditional Mahjong characters and symbols in black, red, and possibly blue, consistent with suits like 'characters' (萬), 'bamboo' (索), 'dots' (筒), and wind/dragon tiles. Some characters appear to be hand-painted or machine-stamped with a fine level of detail. The carrying case appears to be made of a textured, possibly faux leather or aged real leather material, with a prominent brass-colored zipper running along its top edge. The interior green lining is likely a satin or felt-like fabric intended to protect the tiles. The case itself shows signs of moderate wear, particularly at the bottom edges where the material appears scuffed and possibly peeling, suggesting age and frequent use. The condition of the tiles themselves appears to be good overall, with no obvious major chips or cracks visible, although some might exhibit minor scuffs or discoloration typical of antique or vintage game pieces. The craftsmanship, particularly the precision of the tile cutting and the duality of the colors, suggests a well-made set, likely from the mid-20th century.