Mahjong is experiencing a widespread resurgence in the U.S., driving demand for the game to unprecedented heights. Halfway across the world, however, the painstaking craft of hand-carving mahjong tiles is quietly fading. Collectors praise hand-carved mahjong sets for their uniqueness and beauty. But the rise of cheaper mass-produced sets threatens the intricate craft.
In Hong Kong, where this artisanship is deeply rooted, the city's last remaining masters are trying to keep the dying tradition alive. WSJ explored how these sets that can go for $1,000 are handcrafted.
Chapters:
0:00The art of creating mahjong tiles
1:28 How to play mahjong
2:45 The history of mahjong and the design
3:37 How to hand carve tiles
5:45 Hand-carved tiles vs. machine-made tiles
7:48 The American mahjong obsession
9:41 Preserving the craft
WSJ's Coveted highlights the precision and process behind expertly-crafted cult favorites — from the pencils beloved by Disney animators to the sushi knives breaking thousands of years of Japanese tradition. These stories show how the smallest everyday items can be transformed into the ultimate luxury splurge.
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