Piedmont Pattern
The Piedmont pattern is a very close relative to the French 'Paris' pattern. The courts are not named, however, and are divided horizontally (rather than diagonally).
Carte Piemontesi
The Piedmont pattern is a very close relative to the French 'Paris' pattern. The designs also have resemblances to the archaic French Dauphiné pattern which was used in Piedmont until superseded by the one shown on this page, as well as the Genoese Pattern. Early 19th century examples have full-length courts, but they became double ended within a decade or two. The courts are not named, however, and are divided horizontally (rather than diagonally). There are no indices.
Above: full-length 'Carte Piemontesi' printed from woodblocks carved by an anonymous artist in imitation of cards of the 19th century. Published by Vito Arienti, Edizioni del Solleone, 1970.
Above: cards from an uncut sheet by Edoardo Pignalosa, dated 1949.
Above: cards from a soiled example of 'Carte Piemontesi' manufactured by Armanino, Rome, dated 1962. The Ace of Hearts has a 300 lire tax stamp. The back design incorporates two small motorcycles.
Above: Carte Piemontesi manufactured by Modiano, 1970s.
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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