The Bongoût pattern from Belgium

One of the outstanding and most popular packs made by the Turnhout cardmakers, the Bongoût pattern is another descendant of the Paris pattern which emerged in the 19th century. The refinement of the design includes decorated corners to the court cards and figures of different colours on each half of the card. With an eye to the export trade, special scenic Aces could be added to packs according to the client's preferences. Usually these seem to have been Brazilian but some packs were made for Portugal or Italy.

Bongoût pattern playing cards with special scenic Aces for Brazil manufactured by A. Van Genechten, 1870 Bongoût pattern playing cards with special scenic Aces for Brazil manufactured by A. Van Genechten, 1870

Above: Bongoût pattern playing cards with special scenic Aces for Brazil manufactured by A. Van Genechten, 1870. Stencil-coloured lithography, 32 cards.

Bongoût pattern playing cards with special scenic Aces for Brazil manufactured by A. Van Genechten, 1870

Above: Bongoût pattern playing cards with scenic Aces manufactured by A. Van Genechten, 1877.