Celebrate Mahjong Culture at Musuem of Chinese in America

We’re incredibly honored to be invited and participate a special mahjong event organised at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in New York on February 12, 2025, celebrating the vibrant traditions and artistry of mahjong!

🌟 Discover Mahjong: A Mahjong West Media Showcase

On the evening time of February 12, guests arriving at the MOCA stepped into a lively space where Mahjong’s history and community came to life. One room showcased 100-year-old sets, player portraits, a coloring station, and a DJ, while exhibition players brought the game to life with live matches.

We are beyond excited to introduce the mahjong lovers to the artistry of Hong Kong mahjong craftsmanship through our latest “Intangible cultural heritage educational video project” and to share coloring paper with the kids, inspired by the tools used to hand-carve mahjong tiles by Master Ricky Cheung! The coloring table, featuring Mahjong-themed coloring pages by us and Big Apple artists Peach Jin Tao and Yuchen Lu, was a hit. Yuchen’s artwork celebrated the Year of the Snake, Peach’s design was inspired by her Chinatown mural of pigeons playing Mahjong, and Karen Aruba’s page depicted the traditional tools used to make Mahjong sets. The atmosphere was filled with laughter as people immersed themselves in coloring their creations!

It was an electrifying night celebrating the Year of the Snake and the love of Mahjong! MOCA guests came ready for fun, with many eager to discover portraits from the upcoming book Tiles That Unite: Mahjong Players Across the U.S.

Other highlights of the event include:

• Explore live gameplay by American, Chinese, and Hong Kong Mahjong players.
• Marvel at 100-year-old Mahjong sets.
• Touch the detailed hand-carved mahjong tiles crafted by Hong Kong craftsman Master Ricky Cheung
• Unleash Mahjong-themed coloring pages by Hong Kong illustrator Karen Aruba and Big Apple artists Peach Jin Tao and Yuchen Lo.
• Uncover the history and origins of this timeless game by historian Annelise Heinz.
• Immerse yourself in a video featuring master Mahjong craftsman Ricky Cheung and his daughter Karen Aruba on how to preserve mahjong craftsmanship and enhance its sustainability.

Mahjong, Friendship & History at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), players featured in Tiles that Unite came together for a day of mahjong, connection, and celebration.

Smiles all around—proof that mahjong is more than just a game; it’s a bond that transcends generations and cultures.

Thank you, Mahjong West Media, for having us!  A true celebration of the game’s history, community, and artistry!

images by @mahjongwestmedia