José Gombau
Deck of half-sized Spanish-suited playing cards in the Maciá pattern produced by José Gombau, Zaragoza, c.1833.
José Gombau, c.1833
Half-sized deck of Spanish-suited playing cards in the Maciá pattern produced by José Gombau, c.1833. The cards are printed from woodblocks and coloured using a brush and stencils. Although the workmanship is slightly crude the result is charming. The standing figures adopt classical poses, gracefully placing their weight on one foot. The kings have the whole length of their legs in view and wear shoulder-capes over long robes.
Above: cards from a 48-card deck of half-sized [58 x 35 mms] Spanish-suited playing cards in the Maciá pattern produced by José Gombau, Zaragoza, c.1830. This design was first produced by Juan José Maciá of Barcelona in 1830 and subsequently used as a model by other cardmakers.
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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