This lot features a vintage Chinese export Mahjong set and a pair of decorative cast metal mounts. The Mahjong set consists of tiles crafted from bone dovetailed onto bamboo bases, featuring hand-incised characters and symbols with Westernised markings including E, S, W, and N for wind tiles, and C, F, and P for dragon tiles. The set includes bone counting sticks, dice, and a red plastic wind indicator dial. The collection is housed in a dark-stained wooden cabinet with a sliding front door and five internal drawers fitted with brass ring pulls. The second component of the lot is a pair of heavy cast brass or bronze mounts, likely intended for furniture or a large clock. Each mount depicts a winged female bust, similar to a siren or sphinx, with the lower portion formed of ornate, openwork scrolls. The mounts are sand-cast with hollowed reverse sections and integrated mounting points.
Condition report:
The wooden Mahjong cabinet shows significant signs of age and use, including surface scratches, staining, and wear to the finish. The tile set is incomplete or mixed, as several plain wooden blocks have been substituted for original bone and bamboo tiles. Some bone facings exhibit minor age-related cracking and surface dirt. The pair of metal mounts displays a dark, aged patina with areas of oxidation and white surface residue. One mount retains a modern-style iron screw in its reverse mounting hole.
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