The Four Noble Professions birthday card
The inside of the card contains the following description: “The pictures are of Season tiles taken from a Mah-Jong set made from bone and bamboo (The golden tint is just for effect). It was probably made between 1920 and 1940. In British Mah-Jong rules, Season tiles act as bonus tiles. If you are lucky enough to get one they give you extra points and, more importantly, can double your score if the number on the tile coincides with your Wind.: 1 – East, 2 – South, 3 – West, 4 – North. Modern plastic sets generally show simple designs, using the conventional Mah-Jong flowers. However, older sets made in China show designs which are often not obviously related to these. It can be quite difficult to discern their meaning, though they usually follow traditional themes. But it’s with the designs of these tiles that the Chinese craftsman could best show his skills. So the tiles are often very attractive … and interesting. These tiles look to be depicting the four noble professions: 1 – Spring: Fisherman, who represents common sense and patience. His good management leads to good working relationships which in turn brings prosperity to all. 2 – Summer: Woodcutter, who represents success through activity. The woodcutter chopping firewood is a representation of three of the five elements of Chinese philosophy: Fire and Wood and Metal. Fire is the dominant element and it represents all the positive influences of vitality, drive, ambition and industry. 3 – Autumn: Farmer, who represents the physical, arduous labour involved in bringing in a harvest. He shows that bodily effort the get the job done results in rich rewards. 4 – Winter: Scholar (Confucius), who represents a cultured mind (turning towards works of literary or artistic merit when little can be successfully achieved outdoors) and prudence. For practical minded people the scholar indicates that administrative paperwork must not be forgotten.” [Reference: The Mah Jongg Web Site]
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