📚Source Card #1
“The Game of Leaves: An Inquiry into the Origin of Chinese Playing Cards”
William Henry Wilkinson, Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society
Published: 1895
Used for: Historical origins and early documentation of Chinese domino games
HOW WE VERIFY
Every game in the Museum is researched using primary sources, academic papers, and expert consultation. Here's our verification process for Chinese Dominoes:
1
Historical Records
We examine Song Dynasty texts and later historical accounts documenting tile games and gambling practices.
2
Museum Collections
Physical tile sets from various eras are studied to understand material evolution and regional variations.
3
Academic Research
Scholarly papers on Chinese gaming history provide context for rule variations and cultural significance.
4
Living Traditions
Contemporary players in China and diaspora communities help verify rules still practiced today.
CONTENT MARKERS
VerifiedVERIFIED - Confirmed by primary historical sources and academic research
ReconstructionRECONSTRUCTION - Scholarly interpretation based on available evidence
DramatizationDRAMATIZATION - Artistic presentation for engagement
SimulationSIMULATION - Gameplay adaptation from historical practice
PRIMARY SOURCES
📚Source Card #2
“Chinese Games with Dice and Dominoes”
Stewart Culin, Smithsonian Institution
Published: 1895
Used for: Comprehensive documentation of tile types, rankings, and game variations
📚Source Card #3
“A History of Board Games Other Than Chess”
H.J.R. Murray, Oxford University Press
Published: 1952
Used for: Academic context and historical spread of domino games from China
CHANGELOG
2026.01 - Initial release with Tien Gow rules and history
Future - Pai Gow variant and additional historical sources planned