Editor's Picks
Playing cards have enormous educational value, with a long history and many diverse types and graphical styles from around the world... View More →
Holmblad Tarok c.1850
An early stencil-coloured Tarok pack made by L. P. Holmblad, Copenhagen, in c.1850
Medicaer Spielkarte No.272
These finely lithographed playing cards derive their theme from historical and political events and the artistic patrons of the Italian Renaissance.
Charles Cheminade Tarot
Marseille Tarot cards by Charles Cheminade of Grenoble, France, early 18th century.
History
Antique playing cards reflect past eras and ways of life. So what do the oldest surviving playing cards look like? View More →
I.M.F. Engraved Cards, 1617
Engraved Playing Cards, Germany, 1617, by an anonymous artist with the initials I.M.F.
Pierre Marechal, Rouen
An archaic pack of cards made by Pierre Marechal of Rouen c.1567 represents the model from which our English pack subsequently evolved.
Etruria Minchiate, 1725
Florentine Minchiate by Pietro Alligo and originally published in Florence in 1725
Art & Design
Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first became a part of popular culture. Over the centuries superb artwork, graphic design and self-expression has been hidden within packs of cards. View More →
Einar Nerman Patience
Einar Nerman (1888–1983) was a talented Swedish artist born in Norrköping who designed playing cards during the 1920s.
El Cid by E. Pastor, c.1875
El Cid fantasy playing cards designed by E. Pastor, Valencia, Spain, c.1875
Humanist Bridge, Müller & Cie
Humanist pack designed by Melchior Annen (1868-1954) and made by J. Müller & Cie (Schaffhouse).
Crowquill Transformation
Transformation playing cards by the illustrator and comic artist Alfred Crowquill (1804-72), printed by Reynolds & Sons.
Souvenir
A treasury of miniature art, graphic design and self-expression from different periods and locations around the world. View More →
Dondorf: Hauptstadte Spiel
The outlines of the figures and city views are clearly delineated with attractive ornamental details.
Malaysia Truly Asia
Souvenir playing cards from Malaysia featuring 56 colour photographs of skyscrapers, wildlife, local people and Malaysian fruits with inscriptions in English describing each scene.
Manufacturing Processes
Innovations in printing technologies have impacted the appearance of playing cards. View More →
18th C. Workshop Inventory
Have you ever wondered what it was like inside an 18th century playing card factory?
Home-made Playing cards
Production Methods for Small Scale Editions of Playing Cards: some alternative approaches to producing small editions of playing cards
Stencilling
Printing of Playing Cards ::: Stencilling can usually be detected by observing the outlines of the coloured areas which are often irregular with brush strokes discernible in the coloured areas.
Chromolithography
Colour lithography was invented in 1798 by a Bavarian actor and playwright named Alois Senefelder (1771-1834). It is based on the principle that oil and water don't mix.
Political
Propaganda cards, war cards and even educational cards all carry a political message... View More →
International Playing Cards
For the marriage of Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Alexandra of Russia on 23 January 1874.
Victory Deck, Leipzig 1815
Victory deck commemorating the Liberation war by Friedrich Gotthelf Baumgärtner, Leipzig, 1815
