c. Late 1970s Hong Kong Travel Mahjong Set in Faux Crocodile Case

The Piece

A vintage c. late 1970s Hong Kong travel mahjong set, housed in a brown faux crocodile suitcase-style case with brass-tone hardware, black handle, and original interior retailer label.

The interior label reads:

Ying Fat Cheung
Ivory & Ma-Jong
No. 103, Wellington St., H.K.

The set includes heavy, well-made black mahjong tiles with inset-style red and white circular pips, along with dice and a white marker tile. The pieces have a satisfying weight and glossy finish, giving the set a more substantial feel than lightweight novelty versions. Small mercy from the universe: a travel set that does not feel like it came from a sad airport gift kiosk.

The case gives the set excellent display appeal, especially for game collectors, shelf styling, coffee table use, or a layered study/library vignette.

Historical Context

Mahjong has deep cultural roots in China and became widely popular across Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States throughout the 20th century. By the mid-to-late 20th century, compact travel sets were commonly sold through Hong Kong specialty shops to tourists, expatriates, collectors, and families who wanted portable versions of the game.

This set was sold by Ying Fat Cheung Ivory & Ma-Jong, a Hong Kong retailer located on Wellington Street, an area known historically for dense commercial activity, specialty shops, and export-oriented goods. While the shop label references “Ivory & Ma-Jong,” the visible tiles appear to be a heavy synthetic material, likely resin, acrylic, or plastic, rather than confirmed ivory.

The faux crocodile case, brass-tone hardware, printed shop label, and heavy molded tiles point to a late 1970s date, with the broader design language fitting Hong Kong-made travel game sets of the late 20th century.

Product Details

Condition

This set is in vintage condition with wear consistent with age and storage. The faux crocodile case presents well, with light surface wear, minor scuffs, and patina to the brass-tone hardware. The black handle and closures are present.

The tiles appear glossy, heavy, and well made, with strong visual contrast from the red and white pip details. Dice and a white marker tile are included. The original retailer label remains attached inside the case, adding excellent provenance and display interest.

Tile count has not been confirmed from the photos. Before final sale, the full set should be counted and noted clearly in the listing.

Why It Belongs In Your Home

This is both a game set and a decorative object. The brown faux crocodile case gives it a vintage travel-luxury feel, while the heavy black tiles create a bold, graphic interior when opened. It looks excellent on a coffee table, bookshelf, game cabinet, bar cart, or study shelf.

For collectors, the Hong Kong shop label adds character and place-based context. For decorators, the case and tile colors make it an easy styling piece. For actual players, it may be usable if complete, though the tile count should be verified first unless one enjoys beginning a game and discovering betrayal halfway through.

It has presence, weight, and a proper little story. That is more than most boxes full of objects can manage.

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c. Late 1970s Hong Kong Travel Mahjong Set | Reno Antiques