Estel Tarok
J. Estel Tarok, 1820.
Joseph Estel, Vienna, Tarok Cards, 1820
Tarock Cards manufactured by Joseph Estel (Vienna), 1820. The manufacturer's details can be read on the Jacks of Clubs and Diamonds and the maker's stamp and tax stamp appear on the Ace of Hearts. Tarok packs were originally made with 78 cards but the size of packs was often reduced to 54 cards by the removal of some of the pip cards deemed superfluous for play. The elaborately-costumed, double-ended court figures are derived from those of the French 'Paris' pattern (with the exception of the cavaliers, which are additions). Generally-speaking the Trump cards depict scenes of outdoor life in various countries, usually with different scenes at each end, and in this case the Trump cards have large roman numerals inside the borders and different scenes at each end, mostly oriental involving Turks, Arabs, Chinese or mythological scenes. Next →
Above: Joseph Estel (Vienna), Tarok, 54 Cards, dated 1820 on the Ace of Hearts. The Trump cards have different scenes at each end, mostly oriental. The maker's stamp and tax stamp appear on the Ace of Hearts (shown right)
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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