Hong Kong Illustrator and mahjong craftsman Karen Aruba has set up a self-named organization to popularize and revive the fading art of hand-carved Mahjong tiles. She shares her practice through classes, workshops and a personal blog titled Our Family Mahjong Story where she records the plights of traditional Mahjong carvers in Hong Kong and abroad. The blog's title considers how she is a descendent of a long line of mahjong carvers who see all mahjong carvers as a part of a big family of people dedicated to bringing families closer through mahjong.
Karen has also created sets of new rejuvenated mahjong tile designs. She imbues them with playful colours and patterns that catch the eyes of younger generations, further drawing in people’s interests and preserving the craft. This is why Karen Aruba’s initiatives to preserve hand carved mahjong are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Reduced Inequalities.
Karen Aruba comes from a long line of traditional mahjong craftsmen. Her grandmother, Leung Yuk-hung was the mastermind behind the founding of the Fuk Hing Lung Mahjong Factory, one of the largest local mahjong tile manufacturers which stood tall for 50 years. Meanwhile, Aruba’s father, Cheung Sing Chung, known as Master Cheung, had studied the practice of traditional hand carving Mahjong tiles extensively. As the popularity of hand carved mahjong waned, Cheung became one of the few master Hong Kong craftsmen of his age.
Mahjong is a popular tile based table game that originated in 19th century China. Since then, it has become a staple at the homes of families (and gambling parlours) everywhere, including gaining popularity amongst Americans in the 1920s. However, in 2018, the South China Morning Post was able to report that only one in 50 young people in Hong Kong have played the game at least once in the past year. The article cited the wide variety of entertainment today and the game’s physical nature being part of its withdrawal. Hence, a need for initiatives such as Aruba’s to re-introduce mahjong to today’s crowd.
Karen Aruba’s efforts to revive the traditional art of hand-carved Mahjong tiles represent a vital link between Hong Kong’s cultural heritage and the modern world. Through her workshops, blog and vibrant new designs, she bridges the generational gap, making Mahjong relevant and appealing to younger audiences while preserving a centuries-old craft. Her dedication to honoring the legacy of her family’s craftsmanship not only keeps the tradition alive but also fosters a sense of cultural identity and community. Karen’s work ensures that traditional artisanship continues to thrive in a rapidly modernizing world.
Find out more about Our Family Mahjong Story and other initiatives by Karen Aruba on her website www.karenaruba.com or Instagram @karen_aruba_art.