Mahjong is having a major moment in the U.S. right now. The game, with it's roots in 19th-century China, made its way into American homes in the early 1920s. Now, it is having a resurgence, especially amongst young Southern women, who are turning the tile-based strategy game into a gorgeous way to spend time with friends and show off their hostessing skills.
Southern Sparrow creates the highest quality, luxury mahjong tiles, game accessories, and gifts. Each hand-painted tile features custom artwork on richly colored polished acrylic. Inspired by art history and interior design, Southern Sparrow is celebrating the tradition of mahjong with everything you need to play beautifully.
Founding Story
Southern Sparrow: A Love Letter to Female Friendship
In a world buzzing with the hustle and bustle of life's demands, there's a quiet revolution happening, one tile at a time. This is a story of friendship, connection, and rediscovery—a tale that starts with mahjong but transcends into something deeper, richer, and profoundly meaningful.
Once upon a time, before husbands and children and sports and travel and housework and work-work and all the other trappings of modern life—my girlfriends and I were inseparable. We sipped bottomless mimosas at brunch, danced in heels at girls' nights out, and luxuriated at spa days. But as the years swept by, and all of life’s lovely extras came to be, time with my girlfriends became increasingly elusive, relegated to the occasional birthday dinner or big event.
Then, in 2018, Crazy Rich Asians hit the big screen. The book had been passed through our friend group, so we went opening weekend to a theatre that served wine and real food. The night out was fun—great movie, good wine, decent theatre food, and best friends! When the climactic scene played out with Rachel beating Nick’s mother in mahjong, we all turned to each other and said, “we have GOT to learn this game!”
We dove headfirst into the world of mahjong, hiring an instructor to teach us its intricacies. From that very first lesson, we were ensnared, captivated by the clack of tiles, the thrill of strategy, and the joy of our time together. We played whenever and wherever we could, stealing moments before carpool pickups, over early morning cups of coffee or late afternoon glasses of wine, even during our husbands’ Super Bowl parties.
Mahjong became more than just a pastime; it became a lifeline—a precious excuse to gather, to laugh, and to share. It reignited the flames of friendship that had flickered in the face of life's demands, reminding us of the importance of carving out time for those who matter most.
As the tiles shuffled and friendships deepened, I found myself drawn to the artistry adorning each tile—a testament to centuries of tradition and culture. Inspired by this beauty, I embarked on a journey to infuse my own passion into the game, blending my love of art with the timeless allure of mahjong.
What you see before you is the culmination of that journey—a labor of love and dedication, crafted with care to bring joy and inspiration to your game table. But more than that, it's an invitation—a call to women everywhere who, like us, crave the levity, the fun, and the kinship that life so often makes challenging to sustain.
Join us in this movement, this craze sweeping the nation—a celebration of friendship, of art, and of the transformative power of mahjong. Together, let's reclaim our time, our laughter, and our bonds, one tile at a time.
