In the bustling streets of Hong Kong, a centuries-old craft clings to survival as hand-carved mahjong tiles face extinction. Amid the rise of machine-made alternatives and digital gaming platforms, the tactile artistry of traditional mahjong sets is fading—and with it, a piece of cultural heritage.
Laura Westbrook’s recent report highlights the story of Hong Kong’s last known female master carver, who continues to wield her chisels with precision despite dwindling demand. Each handcrafted tile, etched with intricate Chinese characters and symbols, takes hours to complete—a stark contrast to the mass-produced versions dominating markets.
"Younger generations prefer digital games or cheaper sets," the carver explained, her workshop filled with the scent of sandalwood. "But these tiles carry history. They’re meant to last generations."
Cultural experts warn that the decline reflects broader challenges in preserving traditional crafts across Asia. For residents of Hong Kong and the diaspora, mahjong remains a social cornerstone, linking families during festivals and gatherings. Yet fewer artisans are willing to endure the painstaking process as markets shrink.
Efforts to revive interest include workshops where the carver teaches her techniques to curious locals and tourists. "If this disappears," she said, "we lose more than a game—we lose a connection to our past."
