Mahjong Collection: A Fusion of Tradition, Culture, and Fashion
Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of China with the Mahjong collection by polette. Designed to honor the traditional game of Mahjong and its timeless aesthetic as well as our Shanghai showroom, this collection merges artistry with modern eyewear. Each design blends the intricate details of Mahjong tiles with contemporary fashion - bringing their unique shapes, colors & patterns to the world while creating a perfect harmony of playfulness and practicality.
About Mahjong
Mahjong is not just a game; it's a cultural experience. Originating in China, this tile-based game symbolises strategic thinking, social connection, and tradition. Played with tiles that depict vivid symbols, numbers, and Chinese characters, the game is a cornerstone of Chinese heritage. The three primary melds in Mahjong—Chow, Pong, and Kong—inspired the names of this collection, each carrying a meaningful representation of the game's spirit.
- Chow 吃: A sequence of tiles, symbolizing growth and progression.
- Pong 碰: A set of three identical tiles, embodying balance and harmony.
- Kong 槓: A four-tile meld, representing abundance and prosperity.
By incorporating Mahjong's rich history into eyewear, polette transforms these cultural elements into modern fashion statements.
The Chow 吃
Inspired by the iconic “1 Bamboo” Mahjong tile, represented by the sparrow, Chow encapsulates Chinese tradition and artistry. With a removable sparrow trim that doubles as a chain accessory, the design brings playful versatility while being truly meaningful. The round shape pays homage to Emperor Puyi’s (1908) historic glasses, while intricate engravings echo the “2 Circle” and “1 Circle” Mahjong tiles.
The sparrow detail mirrors the old Chinese tradition of raising birds, combining cultural symbolism with modern functionality.
The Kong 槓
A statement piece, Kong draws inspiration from the “Green Dragon” tile, a symbol of wealth, fortune and prosperity. Featuring an XL racing shape complemented by bevel cuts, and a detachable “Green dragon” pendant, this frame makes a powerful statement by embracing modernity with cultural depth. Designed for bold personalities, it’s a stylish nod to both tradition and trend.
With 3D metal trims inspired by Mahjong’s “8 Bamboo” tile and crafted like jewelry, Kong blends tradition with a touch of luxury.
The Pong 碰
Rooted in the simplicity of the “White Dragon” tile, Pong epitomises elegance and minimalism. Known as “白板” or “white board,” this design acts as a blank canvas, customisable with lenses that bring your unique vision to life. Its bold rectangular shape redefines eyewear while subtle engravings tie it back to the Mahjong tradition.
A minimalist yet revolutionary design that presents a clean slate, welcoming individuality.
This collection—Chow, Pong, and Kong— is more than eyewear: it's a journey into the heart of joy in Chinese traditions. Experience the blend of heritage and modernity with the Mahjong collection by polette. Let every frame tell a story as you embrace the game’s essence of strategy, connection, and creativity.
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