Hong Kong Story: Antique Mahjong Tile Polishing Machines 香港故事：麻雀牌打磨機的溫馨回憶

The making of mahjong tiles not only reflects the exquisite craftsmanship of artisans but also serves as a vessel for our intangible cultural heritage. The mahjong manufacturing  process listed in Hong Kong’s ‘intangible cultural heritage’ involves more than the well-known “hand carving,” including machine grinding and polishing. Once, my family’s uncle skillfully crafted these delicate tiles at the Fuk Hing Lung Mahjong Factory, a place that is now hard to find in Hong Kong.

After a three-year wait, we finally had the opportunity to create two pieces of illustrations and explanations for two antique mahjong tile polishing machines at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC), with our father demonstrating the operation of the machines, adding a layer of familial sentiment to the cultural heritage!

These two antique machines are symbols of craftsmanship and silent witnesses to Hong Kong’s history. Once belonging to the “Au Heung Mahjong Factory” used to be operated in JCCAC, they are among the only old-fashioned mahjong tile polishing machines remaining in Hong Kong, now well-preserved on the 7th floor of the JCCAC. 

I am so thrilled to be part of this creative project, contributing to the 15th anniversary of the JCCAC, and having the chance to restore and cherish this piece of history.

It was particularly exciting when the descendants of the “Ou Xiang Mahjong Factory” reached out after hearing our story. Their predecessors were close colleagues with our ancestors, and through the making of tiny mahjong tiles, the bond between our families continues across generations, a sentiment we deeply treasure.

From now until August, everyone is welcome to visit the JCCAC to see my illustrations and understand the early process of making mahjong tiles in Hong Kong.

在賽馬會創意藝術中心JCCAC的七樓，靜靜展出著兩台昔日「歐享麻雀廠」的古董麻雀牌打磨機。

經過三年期待，我們終於有機會與它們「合作」，我們有幸獲邀為它們「增添色彩」。固此，我們繪製兩幅插畫，讓古董機器的故事重現，它們見證了這座城市曾經的工業輝煌，承傳著香港的歷史，更是前人努力追求卓越的見證。

這項目對我別具意義，它不僅連結了過去與現在，也讓我們與爺爺年代的麻雀工廠及老前輩記憶重燃。

展期至八月，歡迎大家到來JCCAC時前來參觀，同時亦可透過我們的筆觸認識古董麻雀牌打磨機，非常開心有機會參與保存這段歷史!

感謝張師傅(我的爸爸)為我們展示這些機器操作的方法。