Most of you know I love the quirky and charming sets made by someone, for someone. This is one, hand painted on wood, a labor of love. The tiles are tiny: here's one on the left, compared to an average Chinese bakelite one.
These are the Bams, and the One is unique. The others look a lot like cucumbers to me. Anyone notice the unusual arrangement of the 7 Bams? It's as if the painter just fit in that last one on the bottom. And the 9s have their own flair.
The Craks have a certain panache, calling attention to themselves. The artist took some liberty with the Chinese numbers and the wan character, but they're fun.
The Dots just make you want to smile. Once again, original takes on the arrangement of the images.
Lots of flourishes are here on the Winds and Green and Red Dragons. The Flowers are the most traditional part of the set, though they look like they were just picked from the meadow earlier that morning. The #3s are quite droopy, perhaps in need of water?
Each counter was painted, and given a value.
Here's the box, next to a more traditionally sized one.
Enjoy!
Barney
Wow. Off the charts. So special. Thanks for sharing ❤️
Tony
You know I LOVE this little set. I think the maker made a little stamp for the Bamboos - see the squeeze-out at the edge of the image, especially in the centre - very clever idea to get consistent images. Obviously made with a lot of love by someone, for somebody dear to them, I love sets like this (I have a few).
Terri
The flowers are my favorite— so delicate. Lovely!
Katy
Love seeing this beautiful set and your informative descriptions of the tiles!! Please keep this coming...so fun to see these phenomenal sets I would never otherwise see, and definitely not know about the historical art work!! Thanks so much!!! xoxo Katy in Phoenix
Maria
Wow! This is quite the treasure. The 1 Bam is cunning and the other tiles are unique and lovely. Beautiful doesn’t do it as a descriptive.
Dick
Neat! Someone had an idea, and executed it well.