Visitors to the studio can admire historic hand-carved mahjong tiles, consult books about the history and art of mahjong, and marvel at the trendy designs and workshops – which combinehand-carving skills with laser-engraved technology, mix Chinese and Western cultural influences, and see tiles painted in refreshing new colours.

Mahjong, a game consisting of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols, involves four players – though there are three-player variations in Japan, South Korea and throughout Southeast Asia. Invented during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), the game has since spread worldwide and enjoys a strong cult following in the West; American brand Abercrombie & Fitch was selling mahjong sets in the US from 1920 onwards.