How could I not think of patterns and colors each week during my Mah Jongg game? Especially when someone takes a long time for her turn, there is nothing to do but stare at the tiles. But it’s not such a bad thing – keeps my mind whirring with design possibilities.
There are three suits – Craks (red), Bams (green) and Dots (circles). Each number has its own unique design within each suit.
I love the 8 Dot tile. It’s all black as opposed to the others like the 9 in the back. But look at the 1 dot. Pretty! I found it similar to the carpeting in a hotel, where I recently attended a meeting.
The flowers and the jokers are the most inspirational. The flower tiles in my set are really quite stylistic.
I use my grandmother’s set which I think was manufactured around the 1950’s but could be earlier. I love playing with these tiles because she did too. Sometimes I can hear her fingernails clacking on the table as she considers the next move.
The 1 Bam is super stylized – almost Art Deco. I could see this being a repetitive pattern or maybe 1 large design just on its own.
I couldn’t end without showing the Dragons.
Thank you, Oma.
Oma would be pleased to know that you’re getting so much enjoyment and inspiration from her Mah Jongg tiles. <3