Pere Rotxotxo, Barcelona, c.1650 (?) - Spanish National Pattern
Probably originating in Spain in the seventeenth century or even earlier, this pattern became strongly established by the Catalan cardmakers Rotxotxo of Barcelona. It was also manufactured in France. Although no longer used in Spain, during the 17th and 18th centuries it was extensively exported to Latin American colonies, and it provides the basis for many of the designs which are used today in Spain as well as South America. The Real Fábrica de Naipes de Macharaviaya (1776-1815) was also manufacturing cards for export to South America based on these designs (See below).
Below: six cards by P. Rotxotxo which evidently have been used for a secondary purpose.
Félix Solesio - Real Fábrica de Macharaviaya, 1787
