Chinese Mahjong Set with Box

Sliding-lid box of small tiles, some escaped for a quick getaway.

This mahjong set with box is from China, and dates to the mid 20th century. It is incised & painted bone, bamboo & mahogany. Older mahjong tiles were often made with a bone face glued to a bamboo back, and the suits and honor tiles carry engraved or painted symbols. Dark wooden box with a stepped sliding lid, partly open to show rows of pale rectangular tiles. Loose tiles scattered in front carry small engraved circles and characters. The box has a plain, matte black finish. It is 7 inches wide, 5.75 deep and 2.75 high.

Orderly in the box, a bit of a free spirit outside it.