New Articles
Current Highlights
Donkey game from Malaysia
“Donkey” children's card game designed and created by Ooi Yan Hee, manufactured by Hee Trading Co., ...
The History of Playing Cards
Playing Cards have been around in Europe since the 1370s. Some early packs were hand painted works o...
14: Back Designs
A few examples of the many interesting back designs.
Dungeons and Dragons Tarot
This 78-card officially licensed Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) tarot deck offers a visually appealing var...
Rider Waite Tarot early editions
Rider Waite Tarot early editions
Tarot of the Unknown
Inspired by the Halloween Cartoon “Over the Garden Wall”.
The Joker Card
The 'Joker' is believed to have been invented by American Euchre players who, when modifying the rul...
Perspectives on the History of Tarot
Tarot, originally a 15th century card game from Italy, has evolved into a form of personal mysticism...
History of Court Cards
The court cards in English packs of playing cards derive from models produced by Pierre Marechal in ...
Corner Indices
Corner Indices were a major innovation in playing card production.
Explore
4,445 articles featuring content from 118 countries, 1,303 manufacturers and 1,081 designers; including 385 themes, 265 brands, 77 suits, 49 games and 29 licenses.
Over the years the pressures of competition and other market forces have led to many smaller manufacturers being taken over by larger ones. The outcome is that the U.S.P.C.C. is now the largest manufacturer in the United States. more ►
Bicycle No.808
By Simon Wintle
Iraqi Most Wanted Playing Cards
By Peter Burnett
43: The United States Playing Card Co.
By Ken Lodge
Army & Navy No.303
By Rod Starling (1936-2023)
The best-known fantasies with playing cards are the ‘Transformation’ cards. Hand-drawing ‘transformations’ onto a pack of ordinary playing cards, with the suit symbols forming part of the overall composition, became a popular pastime 200 years ago and a test of skill in drawing. A great deal of ingenuity is required in their design. The earliest printed sets were published at the start of the 19th century, often published in the form of an almanac or sometimes known as ‘metastasis’, and these became a fashionable and entertaining novelty.
In the strict sense of the word ‘Transformation’ the pips should be in their standard positions and form part of, or fit into, the overll image portrayed on the card.
more ►
Eroticartes
By Rex Pitts (1940-2021)
Introduction to Collecting Themes
By Paul Bostock
South German Engraver
By Simon Wintle
Kitten Club
By Simon Wintle
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.
Branded Tarot Decks and Modern Mystic Lifestyle
By Adam Wintle
Axe Deodorant
By Simon Wintle
Austria Ski Team playing cards
By Roddy Somerville
James Purdey Signature playing cards
By Peter Burnett
Art Nouveau, also known as Jugendstil, was an artistic movement that emerged in Europe in the late 19th century, around the 1890s. It was inspired by a desire to break away from the academic and historicist styles that dominated art and design at the time and to create a new, modern aesthetic that reflected the changing world and the spirit of the age. Major influences on the Art Nouveau movement were the growing interest in Eastern art and design, including “exotica”, curvilinear forms and decorative motifs drawn from nature, and advances in technology. Playing cards provide many elegant and refined examples of this style, with intricate designs, bold patterns, and vibrant colours.
Art Nouveau Whist playing cards from a small Dutch factory
By Paul Symons
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
By Barney Townshend
The Aquarian Tarot Deck
By Adam West-Watson
Historical Characters
By Simon Wintle
Wartime playing cards and card games are those that were produced during times of war and were often designed with patriotic themes or propaganda messages. They were distributed to soldiers and civilians alike and served as a form of entertainment and morale booster during times of conflict. Wartime playing cards often feature images of military leaders, soldiers and patriotic symbols, such as national flags or eagles.
• See also "Most Wanted" • "Military" • "Army"
Submarine Cards
By Barney Townshend
Ordnance Recognition
By Simon Wintle
Mayall Press Art Studies
By Matt Probert
WW2 German Propaganda Playing Cards
By Paul Symons
The Big Picture
Playing cards have a universal appeal and are a reflection of human culture.
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!"
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.
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 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
About the World of Playing Cards
Our aim is to increase awareness and appreciation of the cultural and historical significance of playing cards.
The World of Playing Cards was established in 1996 as a place where you can learn about playing cards, their history, design and manufacture, and see cards from around the world.
They reflect the traditions of many countries. They vary widely in size, style, shape, artistry, usage and many other purposes in education, marketing or even for fortune telling. There is a fascination in playing card design: the neat symmetries and quirky symbols. The composition of the pack - court cards, suits, pips - provides endless scope of play.
They are recognised everywhere around the world - we rarely question their origins.
Since their invention, cards have lost none of their popularity. Playing cards have a long history and it's in the art that the richness of playing cards is to be discovered.
Simon & Adam