"Mahjong Bird" Sculpture, Stewart Lane

"Mahjong Bird" Sculpture (GPS: 5.41887, 100.33818) is a steel-rod sculpture affixed on the wall of a shophouse in Stewart Lane, in George Town, Penang. It celebrates the game of mahjong, a favorite pastime for many Chinese in George Town. Often the game is so absorbing that it continues into the wee hours.

As mahjong is regarded as a form of gambling, it is not shown in the caricature. Instead, what we see is a flock of sparrows falling into a help. Why is that so? Because sparrows are known in Hokkien as the mahjong bird.

Mahjong Bird Sculpture, Stewart Lane (30 March 2013)

Getting there

The nearest bus stop is along Pitt Street. It is served by Rapid Penang bus CAT. From the bus stop, walk along Pitt Street till you reach the junction of Stewart Lane. Go along Stewart Lane until it bends to the right. The alley that continues onward is called Boatmen Alley. The sculpture is on the wall a little to the right from Boatmen Alley.

List of Steel-Rod Sculptures by Tang Mun Kian, Marking George Town Sculptures and Penang Street Art