Celtic Journey
Celtic Journey playing cards - where art and culture meet - designed by Carmen G. Carballeira, 2011
“Mythology is the drama of our own selves on the stage of antiquity...”
Celtic Journey - Irish Mythology playing cards
Illustrated by Carmen G. Carballeira
Above: Ace, Jack, Queen and King from two of the suits, and the two Jokers. The remaining two suits are shown below, with the back design.
Above: the entire deck is beautifully illustrated with vibrant colours and is accompanied by a GUIDEBOOK containing details about the artist and explanations of the court card personalities. The suit symbols are based on artefacts of Irish culture: Ardagh chalice, discovered in September 1868 in a ring fort at Reerasta, Ardagh, Limerich; Tara Broach, a Celtic broach of about 700 AD, found in Co Meath. Harp: for centuries, the harp has been a beloved emblem of Ireland. Celtic helmet: The Celts' protective armour included iron helmets. The back of the cards is based on the Battersea Shield (350 - 50 B.C.) found in the River Thames at Battersea Bridge, England, also of Celtic origin.
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.
Activity for Celtic Journey
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
La Provence
A Piatnik pack drawing on Provençal heraldry and local legend.
Les Chevaliers de la Table Ronde
A pictorial study by Jean Bruneau inspired by an ancient work rooted in Celtic history.
Robin Hood Playing Cards
A Kings Wild Project by Jackson Robinson exploring the legend of Robin Hood and inspired by the Baye...
Calon Arang • Калон Аранг - Бали
Calon Arang, a figure from 12th-century Javanese and Balinese folklore known as a witch skilled in b...
Arthurian by Kings Wild Project
Arthurian Playing Cards by Kings Wild Project, a luxury playing card deck designed by Jackson Robins...
Sea Myths Playing Cards
Morskie mify (Sea myths) designed by Lev Liberman, Russia, 2005.
Irish Legendary
Irish Legendary deck featuring figures in the Legends of Ireland, designed by Rachel Arbuckle, 1990....
Pantheon or Heathen Mythology
Pantheon or Heathen Mythology cards for instruction of youth, c.1770.
Les Grandes Figures de L’Histoire Bretonne
Les Grandes Figures de L’Histoire Bretonne
Scottish Legends
Scottish Legends playing cards illustrated by Mark Oxbrow. published by R Somerville, Edinburgh, 199...
Iceland Mythological Playing Cards
Iceland Mythological Playing Cards designed by Sigurlinna Pétursson, 1958
Kuningas Artturin Ritarit
“Kuningas Artturin Ritarit” (King Arthur’s Knights) playing cards designed by Mauri Kunnas
Cultúrlán
Celtic myth playing cards inspired by the rich Celtic pantheon of mythological Gods, Goddesses, and ...
Irish Historic
Irish Historic Playing Cards celebrating history and art, 1920.
Cyprus Souvenir
Cyprus souvenir playing cards showing scenes alluding to ancient history and myths.
Irish Gaelic Playing Cards
A set of cards to help bring awareness to old and infrequently used languages, created by E Brewstei...
Suicide King
The King of Hearts, holding a sword behind his head, is sometimes nicknamed the “Suicide King”. He c...
Playing Cards from Ireland
During the nineteenth century playing cards were being produced in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
Irish Playing Cards
Playing card designs based on motifs from early Irish manuscripts and metalwork.
Irish Heroic
The costumes and details of this pack are in the spirit of "The Heroic Period of Irish History".
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
