ENGRAVED PLAYING CARDS

The earliest known engraved pictures all came from German-speaking regions, north of the Alps, starting around c.1400. Copper-engraved playing cards were also produced, employing the skills of the engraver and goldsmith, with great detail in the designs. At this time the German card makers were also indulging in a lot of experimentation with different suit systems.

See also: Tarocchi di Mantegna
The Book of Trades