Playing mahjong is an important part of any CNY celebration. As part of its effort to perpetuate local culture, Temple Mall invites all to head on a cultural journey with The Art of the Game: Behind Mah-jong Tiles, a campaign jointly organised with The Art of Mah-jong Craft, a studio founded by Ricky Cheung Sing-chung, one of Hong Kong’s last mahjong craftsmen, and his daughter Karen Aruba, who is an illustrator.
From now to Feb 5, the campaign narrates the origin and evolution of mahjong tile-making. On display will be a precious collection of exhibits, including rare century-old mahjong tiles hand-carved from ox bones; Japanese bamboo-backed tiles dating back to the 1970s; and hand-carved sets from Hong Kong with which production has already ceased, alongside rare catalogues and books that look into the art of the game.
Aside from the exhibition and other Insta-worthy installations themed on mahjong, there is also a set of Temple Mall X The Art of Mah-jong Craft mahjong tiles designed exclusively for the event. Taking cues from traditional Chinese festivities as well as landmarks in Wong Tai Sin, the suite pushes the aesthetic and craftsmanship envelope with a modern palette to usher in the new year.