Dirk from Belgium is a collector and maker of Mother of Pearl (MOP) objects. He's been kind enough to share an example of his work, a beautiful carved tangram set done by him in MOP. From his letter:

It's carved in relief on both sides and when you make the square, the design on the different parts forms one image for each side. It measures 5cm square and has a thickness of 0,35cm. The box is also self-made. I’ve spend a long time making this tangram, I used my collection of Cantonese carved shells as inspiration for the designs. Greetings from Belgium, Dirk

Examples like this set are quite rare as it's hard to even obtain enough quality MOP to work with. Having the skill to do the preparation and engraving is another reason you don't see them often. My thanks to Dirk for showing and sharing his wonderful work with us.

Daniel S. has a personal treasure in an ivory set that has been passed down to him. In his own words:

When my Grandfather passed away my Grandmother gave me a tangram set which he and I had played with and enjoyed greatly when I was a youngster.

The set is truly a work of art and is signed by who I believe was an oriental carving master, the only ones allowed to sign their works. The set is kept in an old wooden box with wood hinges that I've learned is snuff box which was made around 1790.

I see all the classic Oriental good fortune symbols represented in the carving. Chinese dragons, symbol of success and power, lotus flowers and what people in the west call a Phoenix. It's really a Fenghuang which has very positive connotations of high virtue and grace. These types of sets were all made for the export market (a tip of the hat to Jerry Slocum for that information). The puzzle would be something to give to someone very special. It would have also been an expensive gift only affordable to the wealthy. Have a look at his ivory set.

Arthur Bickerstaffe, who runs Small Antiques in England was kind enough to send me some pictures of a beautiful ivory or bone Tangram set. Not many details are known about it. I would guess it was hand carved in China sometime in the 1800's. The Chinese Dragons are a symbol of success and power.

Have a closer look this wonderful example of craftsmanship by clicking on any of the thumbnails below.

Vaishali Pathak recently purchased this set at Portobello Road Market in London, England. Made about 1850, it's approximately 5 cm by 5 cm in size (2" by 2").

Have a closer look this little one by clicking on any of the pictures.