Many of you know that the smaller hand-carved bone and bamboo sets are starting to be appreciated the way they should be. I gave myself one of them for Christmas years ago (I fell for the horse Jokers) and the set connected me with a collector (now friend) who helped me develop my expertise about mahjong sets and Chinese art. So I really have a fondness for these little treasures.
A reader sent me photos of his set, and I must admit I had not seen one like this before. I am sharing it with you now.
The One Bam peacocks are fabulous, aren't they? The Flowers are a Dragon (half hidden in the cloud (the pink), probably looking for his pearl which I can't see, a tiger (lord of all the land animals), a deer (emblem of long life) and a goldfish. When the tiger and the Dragon meet, the two great forces of the universe are together (from C.A. S. Williams) The bottom tiles, 1 and 2 are Liu Hai and the three legged toad.
And isn't that Goose Joker the best? According to C.A.S. Williams, the wild goose is the harbinger of good news-how perfect for a Joker!
Toby
Gregg, I just love these and I also love your explanations. I always learn from your posts. thank you so much. I don't have this set anymore but it was one of my very favorites.
Tony
Wow, this is a cut above the ordinary Ladies sets. Love the carving on the Animals, the rendering is much more naturalistic than the average. Well done! Thanks for sharing!