This year at the annual Hampton Classic, mahjong is making a mark. With the game’s recent riotous rise in popularity on the East End, Bridgehampton-based Blue Moon Mahjong created a special set of limited edition tiles exclusively for the Hampton Classic.
“What I love about mahjong is the way it brings people together, in person, away from their screens,” says Blue Moon Mahjong co-founder Joyce Shulman. “When we started thinking about iconic Hamptons brands that would lend themselves to a truly elevated mahjong set, the Hampton Classic was an obvious choice.”
Designed by illustrator and graphic artist, Shawn Kuhne, who is also the founder of Design Ink, the tiles feature iconic images of the annual event, from the beautiful steeds trotting and jumping to Hampton hydrangeas, winning ribbons and East End osprey, each with the Hampton Classic logo on the back. Only 300 were made so when it sells out, the race to nab one is over.
Only 300 Hampton Classic Mahjong sets were made and each comes in a display-worthy acrylic box with a stamp of authenticity. (Photo credit: Liz Soroka)
Now in its 51st year, the Hampton Classic is one of the most important jumping competitions in the equestrian world. The weeklong event draws more than 50,000 people to the Hamptons to witness the gorgeous horses and spirited competitions, along with a multitude of other Classic-adjacent activations on the sprawling 65 acre Hampton Classic show grounds.
“We’ve attended for years and realized that the Classic and mahjong share the same spirit,” says Schulman. “Skill, tradition, and the pleasure of gathering with people you love.”
The Hampton Classic will be held from Sunday, Aug. 23 to Sunday, Aug. 30 at 240 Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton. The Hampton Classic Mahjong set is available for $400 via Blue Moon Mahjong’s website or at the onsite Hampton Classic alfresco boutique while supplies last.
