Mekuri Tensho playing cards are derived from the early Portuguese or 'Dragon' type cards of the 16th century. The 48-card deck consists of four suits of twelve cards each, Ace through nine pip cards, a female Sota, a mounted Caballo and a seated Rey.

This example is from a limited edition recreation, based on an 18th century deck, hand-made by Patricia Kirk, Mount Hood Playing Card Company, 18625 E. Burnside St. #42, Portland, OR 97233, U.S.A.

The Mt. Hood deck also includes a Tengu and a spare card to make a total of fifty cards. The cards are about 1½" wide by 2¼" high and 1/32 of an inch thick.