Mr Deuceace and Mr Dawkins sitting at a round table playing cards Since 1996, this collaborative project has grown to include 4,569 articles by 28 contributors, including researchers, collectors, artists and historians covering topics from Art Nouveau to Zoology. We move beyond simply cataloguing playing cards by date, manufacturer and place of origin, and adopt a dynamic, interactive and thematic approach, bridging the past with the present, telling stories, opening conceptual perspectives and the necessary reflectiveness to gain new insights and ways to appreciate their role in history.

Tarot Beirut

A beautiful Arabic Tarot : a mystical tool for positive guidance and well-being.

Morinaga Hakuho playing cards

Artistic playing cards attributed to Morinaga Hakuho and printed by Nintendo, c.1985.

Luditz Pattern by Georg Geiselreiter

The discovery of 2024 changes the current state of knowledge of the history of this pattern.

New Articles

Morinaga Hakuho playing cards
Morinaga Hakuho playing cards

Artistic playing cards attributed to Morinaga Hakuho and printed by Nintendo, c.1985.

Jon Randall • 1 day ago
Luditz Pattern by Georg Geiselreiter
Luditz Pattern by Georg Geiselreiter

The discovery of 2024 changes the current state of knowledge of the history of this pattern.

Marek Brejcha • 1 day ago
Scientific Whist
Scientific Whist

“Scientific Whist” : standard cards with instructions for play on the faces by Chas Goodall & Son, 1891.

Tony Hall • 2 days ago
Agent Provocateur
Agent Provocateur

Branded lingerie collection in a pack of pin-up playing cards.

Jon Randall • 2 days ago
Shin-Tōmei Expressway Opening Commemoration
Shin-Tōmei Expressway Opening Commemoration

Promotional playing cards for the Shin-Tōmei Expressway, a major Japanese expressway that opened in 2012.

Jon Randall • 3 days ago
Nimbus playing cards
Nimbus playing cards

Mike Steer’s weather-themed pack with suits in four colours and backs for cardistry.

Roddy Somerville • 4 days ago
Hana-Trump トランプ
Hana-Trump トランプ

Hana-Trump cards from Japan are Hana-Fuda flower cards with miniature international playing cards in the corne...

Jon Randall • 4 days ago
Danao Tiāngōng Puke
Danao Tiāngōng Puke

Children’s playing cards based on the 1961 Chinese animated feature film 大闹天宫 (Havoc in Heaven).

Jon Randall • 5 days ago
Caisse Mutuelle d'Assurance et de Prevoyance
Caisse Mutuelle d'Assurance et de Prevoyance

Insurance propaganda pack for Caisse Mutuelle d'Assurance et de Prevoyance with humorous artwork by James Hodg...

Jon Randall • 6 days ago
Agatha Christie and Playing Cards revisited
Agatha Christie and Playing Cards revisited

Agatha Christie uses card-play as a primary focus of a story, and as a way of creating plots and motives for c...

Tony Hall • 6 days ago
The Decadent Deck
The Decadent Deck

Studies in the eroticism of the female body by Inge Clayton.

Jon Randall • Apr 16, 2025

Current Trends

Iraqi Most Wanted Playing Cards 2003

Playing cards used to help troops identify the most-wanted members of Saddam Hussein's government. 2003.

Darling 1955

Darling pin-up playing cards designed by Heinz Villiger.

Corner Indices 1864

Corner Indices were a major innovation in playing card production.

Rider Waite Tarot early editions

Traditionally cardmakers worked in guilds with long apprenticeships under master craftsmen.

Dondorf 1833

The luxury playing card factory founded in Frankfurt am Main by Bernhard Dondorf in 1833 existed for 100 years.

Jaques’ Happy Families 1861

In 1851 the games manufacturer John Jaques of London (founded in 1795) commissioned a set of drawings from John Tenniel, later Sir John, the chief cartoonist of Punch, for their new game of Happy Fami...

The art of mystifying people is very old indeed. The first conjurers were priests who obtained power over simple minds by performing magical tricks which appeared to have a supernatural origin.

The Joker Card 1863

The 'Joker' is believed to have been invented by American Euchre players who, when modifying the rules sometime during the 1860s, decided that an extra trump card was required.

The playing card calls for artistic treatment and although the constrained size imposes some limitations there is an almost bewildering wealth and variety of designs in playing cards and their tuck bo...

The court cards in English packs of playing cards derive from models produced by Pierre Marechal in Rouen around 1565. A pack of such cards is preserved in the museum at Rouen.

Playing Cards have been around in Europe since the 1370s. Some early packs were hand painted works of art which were expensive and affordable only by the wealthy. But as demand increased cheaper metho...


Explore

4,569 articles featuring content from 119 countries, 1,352 manufacturers and 1,135 designers; including 386 themes, 266 brands, 77 suits, 52 games and 31 licenses.

A decorative black and white line ornament with a circular design in the center and horizontal lines extending from both sides

Advertising
Closely following the development of visual advertising in general, such as on labels, packaging, posters and TV commercials, advertising playing cards seek to find ways to associate products with our inner desires and longings, with our identity and who we want to be. Some packs are widely distributed as part of larger promotions, others are more exclusive. In some cases single cards are collected from inside the advertised product, thereby stimulating further sales to complete a full set.
1991 Intersigma

Intersigma

By Jon Randall

1980 Air India

Air India

By Rex Pitts (1940-2021)


Political
Political playing cards were introduced in the 17th century providing entertainment by satirising or deriding current events and leaders. Propaganda cards, Imperial decks, war cards and even educational card games all carry a message which relates to the politics of memory, the means by which events are remembered and recorded, the way history is written and passed on. Historical memory can be used to arouse emotional reactions...
1903 Zürcher Festspiel 1903

Zürcher Festspiel 1903

By Roddy Somerville

2015 U.S. Presidents playing cards
1679 Knavery of the Rump, 1679

Knavery of the Rump, 1679

By Simon Wintle


Facsimiles & Replicas

Facsimiles, Replicas & Recreations of playing cards offer a unique glimpse into the evolution of card design. This list includes various reproductions, some based on historical designs from as far back as the 1600s. Each article provides detailed information about the origins and inspirations behind the recreations.

1545 Peter Flötner, c.1545

Peter Flötner, c.1545

By Simon Wintle

1664 Mitelli Tarocchini

Mitelli Tarocchini

By Simon Wintle

1567 Pierre Marechal

Pierre Marechal

By Simon Wintle


Art & Design
The playing card calls for artistic treatment and although the constrained size imposes some limitations there is an almost bewildering wealth and variety of designs in playing cards and their tuck boxes. The serious player requires design to be unobtrusive so that aesthetic considerations remain in the background. However, with modern manufacturing technology more eye-catching designs are becoming popular as gifts, collectibles and for their attractive appearance. more
2006 The Decadent Deck

The Decadent Deck

By Jon Randall

Modern Aces of Spades

Modern Aces of Spades

By Matt Probert

1893 Historic Shakespeare

Historic Shakespeare

By Jon Randall


Bicycle
The famous Bicycle playing cards were first introduced by Russell & Morgan Printing Co in 1885. More recently the brand has been open to private designers since the early 2000s. more
1885 Bicycle Playing Cards, 1st edition

Bicycle Playing Cards, 1st edition

By Rod Starling (1936-2023)

1881 Russell, Morgan & Co

Russell, Morgan & Co

By Rod Starling (1936-2023)

2017 Bicycle Civil War Deck

Bicycle Civil War Deck

By Matt Probert


The Big Picture

Playing cards have a universal appeal and are a reflection of human culture.

A decorative black and white line ornament with a circular design in the center and horizontal lines extending from both sides
Simon & Adam Wintle

Above: Chinese money-suited cards. Some of the earliest cards have origins in the Far East.

Playing cards are a part of almost every culture and society around the world. These small, rectangular pieces of paper have been a source of entertainment for generations and are still enjoyed by people of all ages today. Whether it's a simple game of solitaire, a high-stakes game of poker, or a magic trick that delights, there's something about playing cards that captures the imagination and inspires creativity. As Delef Hoffmann once said "whether we consider cards as mere merchandise or as the bond which unites people with one another, just think of what we would be if we had no cards! How boring and unsociable our lives would be without this invention!"

Dasavatara Ganjifa from India

Above: Dasavatara Ganjifa from India. Playing cards from India are often circular.

The origin of cards can be traced back to China, where they were first used as early as the 9th century. From there, the cards travelled across Asia and the Middle East, and finally found their way to Europe in the 14th century.

Since then, playing cards have been used for a wide range of purposes, including fortune-telling and even propaganda. But the most significant impact they have had on humanity is through their use in games, which have brought people together for centuries.

Above left: a set of Spanish playing cards from 1638 was discovered inside a prison wall during demolition, likely used for gambling by prisoners. Above center: Trump Presidential playing cards, playing cards are often used for political messages. Above right: the Magician from the popualr Rider-Waite tarot, which has become the template for modern tarot decks.

Above left: a set of Spanish playing cards from 1638 was discovered inside a prison wall during demolition, likely used for gambling by prisoners. Above center: Trump Presidential playing cards, playing cards are often used for political messages. Above right: the Magician from the popualr Rider-Waite tarot, which has become the template for modern tarot decks.

While playing cards have brought people together for fun and play, they have also been a source of disruption in the form of gambling. For many, gambling has become an addiction, leading to financial ruin and even anti-social problems.

The artistic value of cards cannot be overlooked, with their intricate details and unique designs of each card reflecting the creativity and ingenuity of artists. Playing cards are a reflection of our society, with each country and region having its unique designs and styles. As Sylvia Mann put it "there are fashions in cards, and these fashions very often reflect the history of the times". From the bold and colourful designs of India to the intricate and detailed patterns of Russia, playing cards are a testament to the creativity and diversity of the human experience.

Playing cards from different cultures

Above left: Kashmir Playing Cards, above center: Ethiopian Air Lines playing cards produced by Nintendo, above right: striking playing cards designed by Masuo Ikeda.

Playing cards have a wide embrace, spanning across cultures and countries, with a scope of diverse subjects that reflect the values and beliefs of their respective societies.

Playing cards are an enduring symbol of human connection and creativity, transcending language, borders and cultures. Through the power of games, they have brought people together for centuries, creating shared experiences that have fostered friendships, learning and social bonds. While their role in gambling has been disruptive, their stunning artistic designs elevate them to works of art, worthy of appreciation and admiration. Playing cards are a testament to the power of human creativity and a reflection of the rich cultural tapestry of our world.

References

  • The Playing Card, Delef Hoffmann, 1972
  • Collecting Playing Cards, Sylvia Mann, 1966