Red Coin Set - Second Edition

Once again I have been given the honor of previewing a great mah jong set and then presenting it to the world through the internet with a variety of pictures. Thanks Dee!

My presentation this time is a little different because the main picture actually has "hot spots" that you click on to view larger images or two movies. Please click on the link "Hot Spot Map" to see where you need to click in order to take in all the eye candy. One movie has pictures of the case and the other one has pictures of the tiles. They may be a bit slow loading but you will really appreciate the few extra shots that a movie will allow. The rest of the hot spots are static pictures, these little pop-up pictures do not close on their own so remember to "x" it out, (you must allow "pop-ups" on my site). Internet Explorer does not work well on the pop-up page as the Dot suit keeps popping up in front of the click of choice, it's a bit annoying but I will not apologize for that poorly made browser, please complain to MS.

This set is not mine and I have blurred out the name of the owner to protect their privacy. I would like to express my thanks for the opportunity to take the pictures for all of us. There are only a very few of these sets left so if you are interested please click on the link to contact Dee for ordering information.

Once again there are many little details that make this set fun to explore, all are outlined carefully in the little booklet included with the set. The booklet also explains the symbolism behind this set which is very traditional in mah jong sets dating back to the beginning of the game, unfortunately much of that information has been lost in vintage sets.

So let's go exploring!

The Case: Not an ordinary case but an expertly crafted, solid walnut show case where your tiles are clearly visible through this wonderful glass lid. Handles have been added to make it a bit easier to lift and move around and it also has feet this year, with felt on the bottom to protect your fine furniture. Inside the case there is a single tile tray, lined with "lucky Chinese Red" felt, lifting ribbons to lift the tray out of the case, and a lifting ribbon to get the tiles out easily. Under the tile tray the four racks fit neatly into the bottom of the case (also lined). On the bottom outside of the case you will find the Red Coin trademark, in the center of the coin is the number of the set, this one is #5. There is a locking latch and a key with one of Dee's special tags. The color of the case is pretty true to the pictures.

The Tiles: These ivory colored tiles are the perfect backdrop to the beautiful designs, which are hand painted and carved, just check the close-ups, some of those lines are pretty fine, amazing! This year Dee has added a couple of blank tiles -- just in case. In the center of each #1 Dot is also the number of the set, making it unique. In the movie of the tiles you will see that this year there is also a choice of "wind" designs. This set has 'The Four Heavenly Kings' who 'guard the slopes of paradise', and in the movie you will see two versions of the "kids" , which 'remind us of the playful way the winds blow'. You also get to pick which joker design you prefer, and there is a nice little write up of the symbolism behind those designs as well. Also new this year are the designs of the dragon tiles, the lucky bats, and if you look closely you will see the symbol of prosperity (hint: it's split in half and runs down the side of the dragon between the bats), great design! Like last years version, these tiles are chunky, I have to tell you they are wonderful to hold, nicely weighted and not clumsy feeling at all. They fit very nicely on the racks.

Accessories: There is an exquisite silk pouch (each set will have a different color) to hold the spare tiles, dice and key. On the front of the pouch is a traditional symbol of good luck in China, a red knotted cord. This knot is called the flower knot, which is tied in one length of thread, when finished the knot is identical on both sides. In China, at the first month of a childs life Celebration Bells are given to babies, the noise is supposed to scare off bad spirits. Bells are also attached to the backs of their caps. This little jingle bell is to protect your newborn mah jong set. There are three dice which are swirled copper tone. The key is attached to one of Dee's fabulous tags which has been decorated with the "Red Coin" and the number of the set in the center.

I can’t wait for my set to arrive. I hope you have enjoyed your visit, CHarli