Jamie Shemesh of The Mahj Lounge joins Jenn and Cathy to talk collectible Mahjong sets inspired by iconic decades. From peace signs and lava lamps to poodle skirts, disco dancers, and 80s Art Deco, Jamie shares how nostalgia, design, and careful research turn history into tiles.

Connect with Jamie's Mahj Lounge: https://mymahjlounge.com/

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Key Takeaways

1. Jamie’s Play the Past collection turns iconic decades into collectible Mahjong sets, beginning with the bright, bold, and unmistakably groovy 1960s Far Out Edition. 

2. The 1960s set includes peace-sign dots, lava-lamp one bams, guitar cracks, flower-power flowers, cool-cat jokers, and textured tile backs designed to feel as memorable as the fronts.

 3. Jamie researches each decade carefully, using recognizable cultural details while avoiding designs that would make the tiles difficult to read during an actual game.

4. Copyright and trademark rules shape every set. Familiar images, logos, characters, and phrases may be unavailable without licensing, so original interpretation matters.

5. Upcoming sets include a 1950s collection with records, French fries, and retro diner energy, followed by a 1970s Disco Edition and an 80s set inspired by the era’s Miami-style Art Deco revival.