It was said that the clacking of the tiles during shuffling resembled the chattering of birds, so the game was originally called "maque" – meaning "sparrow" in Mandarin, which continues to be referenced in the Cantonese "ma jeuk" today. Meanwhile, in Thailand, mahjong is still referred to as "sparrow cards".

These days, the legendary game has been adapted into widespread digital formats for entertainment across the globe. Thus, contemporary mahjong is now being viewed from a new artistic angle in local Hong Kong culture, and Karen Aruba Studio has been invited to show at exhibitions in PMQ and Hong Kong Youth Square. Visitors to the studio can take in the tiled art, and will also appreciate the pair's new collection of Travel Mahjong City pieces and the Gold Leaf Hand-Carving Mahjong Set. It's a win-win for all.

Karen Aruba Studio, L6-15, JCCAC, 30 Pat Tin Street, Shek Kip Mei;

karenaruba.com