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Sherlock Holmes Box Welcome to the World of Playing Cards, where we delve into the rich heritage and history of playing cards, and the many ways in which they bring people together. Playing cards have been shared and enjoyed for centuries for everything from games and gambling to fortune-telling, magic and conjuring. Today they continue to be a popular and educational pastime for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Playing cards combine many aspects of our history including paper-making, printing technologies, innovation, symbolism, graphic design and how these have changed over the years. Whatever your interest in cards, you'll find something interesting here.

Not the Iraqi Most Wanted playing cards
Not the Iraqi Most Wanted playing cards

Fifty-five Irish heroes and villains, some ancient but mostly modern.

Roddy Somerville • 15 March 2024, 17:08

Commoners playing cards
Commoners playing cards

Created by Ian Cumpstey dedicated to the common land and the countryside.

Peter Burnett • 15 March 2024, 12:56

EPCS February 2024 Newsletter
EPCS February 2024 Newsletter Members Only

Lenthall's Delightful Cards • Cards supposedly by Wheeler • No, It Isn't an Early Wheeler • Chloe Campbell's Wren Cards • Speed: the Motor Cards • “Melox” Happy Families • Playing Cards for the Pegu C...

The English Playing Card Society • 15 March 2024, 09:08

Feh Schnapskarten
Feh Schnapskarten

Colourful promotional pack for Feh household and toilet papers.

Roddy Somerville • 14 March 2024, 12:34

Liber Ludorum
Liber Ludorum

Liber Ludorum playing cards created by Ian Cumpstey in the insular style, United Kingdom, 2019.

Peter Burnett • 14 March 2024, 11:52

Hansaplast<sup>®</sup>
Hansaplast®

Advertising pack for Hansaplast, with comic courts sporting sticking plasters.

Roddy Somerville • 13 March 2024, 23:37

Pike and Clover playing cards
Pike and Clover playing cards

Pike and Clover playing cards created by Ian Cumpstey, Cumbria, UK, 2018.

Peter Burnett • 13 March 2024, 21:32

Lorilleux International
Lorilleux International

Promotional pack for Lorilleux International’s Lotus inks, with designs by James Hodges.

Roddy Somerville • 13 March 2024, 12:01

Les Tontons du Rock
Les Tontons du Rock

Caricatures of rock and pop stars in black and white by Charles Da Costa.

Roddy Somerville • 12 March 2024, 20:01

Inglewood Hunting Deck
Inglewood Hunting Deck

Inglewood Hunting Deck created by Ian Cumpstey, United Kingdom, 2023.

Peter Burnett • 12 March 2024, 11:25

B. Braun-Dexon<sup>®</sup>
B. Braun-Dexon®

Publicity pack promoting B. Braun-Dexon’s atraumatic needles, with non-standard courts and pips.

Roddy Somerville • 11 March 2024, 21:43

Bibaraja
Bibaraja

Amusing designs of boys as circus performers by Alberto Muñiz Sánchez.

Roddy Somerville • 11 March 2024, 20:16

Pin-Ups
Pin-Ups

A deck of 55 cards celebrating a golden age of cheeky, naughty, bold and curvy ladies in film.

Ian Taylor • 11 March 2024, 02:32

Classic Movie Posters
Classic Movie Posters

A deck of 55 cards presenting vintage classic movies and their stars.

Ian Taylor • 10 March 2024, 16:30

That’s Entertainment
That’s Entertainment

A deck of 55 cards celebrating 20th Century vaudeville, musicals and cabaret.

Ian Taylor • 10 March 2024, 15:44

Burgundy pattern
Burgundy pattern

The old Burgundy (or Burgundian) pattern by Nicolas Chenevet, Dijon.

Simon Wintle • 10 March 2024, 13:33

Zodiaque
Zodiaque

“Les Signes du Zodiaque” playing cards designed by Youdi des Aubrys.

Peter Burnett • 10 March 2024, 11:37

Peintres Latino Americains
Peintres Latino Americains

Original artwork by 18 different Latin American artists.

Roddy Somerville • 09 March 2024, 23:29

British Monarchs
British Monarchs

Commemorating the royal wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer on the 29th July 1981.

Peter Burnett • 09 March 2024, 22:07

54 Affiches Retro
54 Affiches Retro

54 different old French advertising posters, mainly for travel and health products.

Roddy Somerville • 09 March 2024, 12:30

Rock & Pop Legends
Rock & Pop Legends

Stunning photos of a selection of US and UK music artists.

Ian Taylor • 09 March 2024, 04:27

The Beatles • Yellow Submarine
The Beatles • Yellow Submarine

A colourful deck celebrating the 1968 animated feature film based on the Lennon/McCartney song of the same name.

Ian Taylor • 09 March 2024, 03:50

Star Trek II • The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek II • The Wrath of Khan

This deck is a vibrant photographic tribute to "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," one of the most beloved films in the Star Trek saga.

Ian Taylor • 09 March 2024, 03:02

Il Vostro Destino
Il Vostro Destino

Italian fortune-telling pack produced by Viassone and later by Masenghini.

Roddy Somerville • 08 March 2024, 20:01

Tarocchi Gialli by Nick Ribera — Kickstarter

Tarocchi Gialli combines tarot mysticism with Ital...

Adam Wintle 08 March 2024, 17:17 • 0 Comments

Jeu de la Belle Epoque
Jeu de la Belle Epoque

Jeu de la Belle Epoque, remembering a golden age of optimism, progress and elegance.

Peter Burnett • 08 March 2024, 11:29

Paco Lobo
Paco Lobo

Highly original and striking designs by Paco Lobo for the fashion house of the same name.

Roddy Somerville • 07 March 2024, 18:03

Correspondances
Correspondances

‘Correspondances’ depicting the 52 transfer stations of the Paris Métropolitain, France, 1985.

Peter Burnett • 07 March 2024, 12:28

Aleister Crowley: Beastly Trumps

Beastly Trumps features a thrilling mix of the inc...

Roy Stewart 06 March 2024, 15:31 • 0 Comments

Loewe: Moda Europea Siglo XVII
Loewe: Moda Europea Siglo XVII

Luxury pack for the Spanish fashion house Loewe, with 17th century costume designs by Margot Hamilton Hill.

Roddy Somerville • 06 March 2024, 13:28

Jeu Gothique
Jeu Gothique

‘Jeu Gothique’ illustrating the Gothic period in France, published by Editions Dusserre.

Peter Burnett • 05 March 2024, 21:39

Toros: De El Cordobés a Espartaco
Toros: De El Cordobés a Espartaco

Publicity pack for the Spanish newspaper Ya with caricatures of famous bullfighters by Fernando Vinyes.

Roddy Somerville • 04 March 2024, 15:32

Baraja de Alava
Baraja de Alava

55 different paintings by Emilio Lope depicting the history and culture of Vitoria and the province of Álava.

Roddy Somerville • 04 March 2024, 12:43

Jeu Bonaparte
Jeu Bonaparte

Jeu Bonaparte depicting the extended family of Napoleon Bonaparte, France, 1978

Peter Burnett • 04 March 2024, 09:58

Jeu du Bicentenaire de la Révolution Française
Jeu du Bicentenaire de la Révolution Française

Pack created by Yannick Pennanguer commemorating the bicentenary of the French Revolution and the centenary of L’Est Républicain.

Roddy Somerville • 02 March 2024, 19:28

Jeu des Bonnets Phrygiens
Jeu des Bonnets Phrygiens

Reproduction of Jeu des Bonnets Phrygiens relating to the Phrygian cap (or liberty cap), France, 1988.

Peter Burnett • 02 March 2024, 12:04

Sweden playing cards
Sweden playing cards

Named characters from Swedish history.

Roddy Somerville • 02 March 2024, 10:14

San Paolo Shakespeare
San Paolo Shakespeare

San Paolo Shakespeare, Italy, 1978

Peter Burnett • 01 March 2024, 11:41

Romania playing cards
Romania playing cards

Romanian voivodes and their wives from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Roddy Somerville • 29 February 2024, 14:20

Dutch Court playing cards
Dutch Court playing cards

Games & Print Services’ version of the Dutch pattern.

Roddy Somerville • 28 February 2024, 16:24

Le jeu des 7 Familles ’Utuafare
Le jeu des 7 Familles ’Utuafare

Colourful Happy Families game from Tahiti depicting costumes from different archipelagoes.

Roddy Somerville • 28 February 2024, 09:12

Le Carte di Forattini
Le Carte di Forattini

Political caricatures by Giorgio Forattini published by Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, Italy, 1993.

Peter Burnett • 27 February 2024, 16:16

Past Masters’ Association Presentation Pack
Past Masters’ Association Presentation Pack

The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards Past Masters’ Association Presentation Pack, 2013.

Tony Hall • 26 February 2024, 14:58

San Paolo Chekhov
San Paolo Chekhov

Characters from Chekhov’s plays designed by Paolo Fresu for San Paolo Istituto Bancario, Italy, c.1983.

Peter Burnett • 26 February 2024, 10:41

The Search for New Games in the late 19<sup>th</sup> century
The Search for New Games in the late 19th century

A few new games survived and are still around today; most came and went and are only witnessed in the literature by the equivalent of a vapour trail.

Tony Hall • 25 February 2024, 15:58

Norfin® Trolls
Norfin® Trolls

Troll dolls with gaudy hairstyles in a multitude of different costumes.

Roddy Somerville • 25 February 2024, 13:43

Impressionist Art Cards
Impressionist Art Cards

Details of 13 paintings by 8 different Impressionist artists on elongated cards.

Roddy Somerville • 24 February 2024, 10:21

Jeu de la V<sup>me</sup>
Jeu de la Vme

A political pack designed by Pino Zac and published in 1977 by Editions Arts et Lettres.

Peter Burnett • 23 February 2024, 14:18

Postak – Las Postas
Postak – Las Postas

‘Postak - Las Postas’ playing cards commemorating the history of the Basque postal service, Spain, 1996.

Peter Burnett • 23 February 2024, 08:58



I Tarocchi del Cinema (di Sesar)

A set of Tarot trumps on the subject of the cinema, with designs by Sergio Sarri.

The Lovers playing cards

Reproductions of old postcards with romantic messages for Valentine’s Day.

Views of Luxembourg

53 different scenic views of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Reo Rex Luxus bild

Celluloid playing cards made in Vienna

Wüst Lenormand deck, c.1860

Wüst Lenormand deck, c.1860

Dietsche Playing Cards for the Dutch Shipping Company

A beautiful early pack from The Dutch Playing Card factory.

Sailor Jerry Playing Cards

Sailor Jerry Playing Cards

“Sailor Jerry” tattoo flash playing cards, USA.

Rybářské karty

Fishing-themed playing cards with artwork by Jan Hora, Czech Republic, 2005.

McCain Presidential 2008 playing cards

John McCain and Sarah Palin Presidential playing cards, USA, 2008.

23: Belgian Makers: Mesmaekers

23: Belgian Makers: Mesmaekers

Gustaaf Mesmaekers founded his business in 1859 in association with Louis-François Moentack, who lef...

39: Mixed Packs

39: Mixed Packs

A number of mixed packs appear for sale from time to time, but it's important to sort out what is me...

Wills Scheme

The W.D & H.O. Wills Playing Card promotion of the early 1930s

Mary Whitmore Jones and her Chastleton Patience Board

Mary Whitmore Jones and her Chastleton Patience Board

Mary Whitmore Jones and her Chastleton Patience Board by Tony Hall.

Cribbage Board Collection part 4

Cribbage Board Collection part 4

A collection of antique and vintage Cribbage Boards by Tony Hall, part 4.

Dondorf Tarot

Dondorf's “Microscopique Tarock“ was first published in c.1870. The scenes portrayed at each end of ...

Mémoires de Casanova

Mémoires de Casanova artistic and lightly risqué playing cards with paintings by Paul-Émile Bécat, p...

Renée Sturbelle

Artistic playing cards with abstract designs by Renée Sturbelle, first published by Brepols S.A., Tu...

Swiss Costumes

Wüst's Swiss Cantons souvenir deck was published in Frankfurt in c.1875 for the emerging tourist mar...

Shakespearian Misfitz

C. W. Faulkner’s “Shakespearian Misfitz” designed by George Lambert and published around 1907/08 sho...

Convoy

“Convoy” WW2 card game published by Tree Brand c.1940, based on wartime naval convoys.

Morgan-Greer Tarot

Based on the knowledge, wisdom and interpretation of Paul Foster Case and Arthur Edward Waite.

New Palladini Tarot

“The New Palladini Tarot” by David Palladini published by U.S. Games Inc., in 1996.

The Aquarian Tarot Deck

The Aquarian Tarot Deck illustrated by David Palladini, published by Morgan Press, Inc., 1970.

The Tarot Strikes Back

Roy Huteson Stewart's The Tarot Strikes Back combines Star Wars with Rider-Waite tarot imagery.

House of Tudor

Randy Butterfield's House of Tudor playing cards feature detailed art in a high-quality collectible ...

Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot

Giuliano Costa's Jack-O’-Lantern tarot blends Rider-Waite symbolism with the rich and atmospheric th...

Burgundy pattern

The old Burgundy (or Burgundian) pattern by Nicolas Chenevet, Dijon.

Jeu Quatre Empereurs

Brazilian scenic aces with emperors of Brazil, Austria and France and other dignitaries on the court...

Kings and Queens of Brazil & Portugal

Historical playing cards by C. L. Wüst depicting monarchs of Brazil and Portugal.

The History of Playing Cards

Scene of people playing cards

Playing cards arrived in Europe the late 14th century and rapidly became a part of popular culture. Antique playing cards are like a visit to the local museum and evoke images of past eras and ways of life and also demonstrate archaic technology or production methods. So what do the oldest surviving playing cards look like?


History of Court Cards

History of Court Cards

The court cards in English packs of playing cards derive from models produced by Pierre Marechal in ...

1888 Heraldic playing cards

Heraldic playing cards

Reproduction of Richard Blome’s Heraldic playing cards, 1684, presented to lady guests at WCMPC Summ...

1786 Pedro Varangot, 1786

Pedro Varangot, 1786

Archaic Navarra pattern produced for the Pamplona General Hospital Monopoly by Pedro Varangot in 178...

Malta

Malta

The so-called ‘Dragon Cards’, with winged monsters on the four Aces, are an enigmatic aspect of earl...


Art & Design

Design Caricatures Abstract Cartoon Celtic Deco Jugendstil Renaissance Rococo Surrealism

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.


1936 Art Deco Gypsy Oracle

Art Deco Gypsy Oracle

Art Deco fortune telling deck published by Piatnik, 1936.

1983 Inspector Gadget

Inspector Gadget

The Adventures of Inspector Gadget quartet game published by Fournier in 1983.

59: Owen Jones (1809-74) and De La Rue

59: Owen Jones (1809-74) and De La Rue

A selection of examples of Owen Jones's work printed by De La Rue.

2003 Wall Street Most Wanted

Wall Street Most Wanted

“Wall Street Most Wanted” playing cards, USA, 2003.


Oracle, Divination & Tarot

Cat Cartomancy The art of interpreting divine omens - augury or reading karma - has since ancient times been integral to political, civic and religious life.

More recently, Cartomancy and modern esoteric tarot packs have been produced in a wide variety of conceptions and involve use of imagination and intuition to assess one’s thoughts and feelings from the view point of the symbolic images and numbers. It is possible for an object to be construed as a game in one context, and as something other than a game in a different context.

Tarot, originally a 15th century card game, has evolved into a popular system of personal mysticism, self-exploration and spirituality   Learn more about tarot


1491 Sola-Busca Tarocchi

Sola-Busca Tarocchi

The Sola-Busca Tarocchi, c.1491

1830 Animal Tarot by J. T Dubois

Animal Tarot by J. T Dubois

Early 19th century Animal Tarot pack produced by J T Dubois, Liège, Belgium.

1910 Rameses Fortune Telling

Rameses Fortune Telling

The Rameses Fortune Telling Cards were manufactured by Chas. Goodall & Son Ltd, London, c.1910, arou...

1970 Tarocco Bolognese

Tarocco Bolognese

Tarocco Bolognese


Schwarzer Peter Cards

The games we play mirror the world we live in, like popular art. There was a time when friends and family played indoor games by the fireside and enjoyed countless hours of pleasure and amusement. Children don’t play card games so much because they prefer computer games, the ultimate excitement. Antique and vintage card games offer documentary evidence, as well as nostalgic memories, of the social interaction, fashions and stereotypes of bygone days and are a study in social anthropology.

French card games are mostly Jeux des Sept Familles. German games are often pleasing on the eye, and they seem to favour quartet games. USA love quartets of world worthies like authors, painters, composers. Games are not simply an escape from the real world, they are also educational and provide a place to process what it all means.


2016 Children’s Vocabulary Cards

Children’s Vocabulary Cards

Thai Children’s Colour Vocabulary Cards promoting Ovaltine chocolate malt drink, 2016.

1935 Sum-it Card Game

Sum-it Card Game

‘Sum-it’ Card Game published by Sum-It Card Games Ltd. c.1935.

1950 Prudence Snap c.1950

Prudence Snap c.1950

Chad Valley “Prudence Kitten Snap” card game designed by Annette Mills.

1888 Jaime Margarit - Recreo Infantil

Jaime Margarit - Recreo Infantil

'Recreo Infantil' children's educational cards published by Jaime Margarit, Palamós (Gerona) c.1888....

The Big Picture

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

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!

Joker by Simon Wintle

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.

Simon & Adam Wintle

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

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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.

Simon & Adam Wintle

Simon Wintle (right) with Adam Wintle (left) visiting Ayutthaya in Thailand, 2016.

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.

Joker by Simon Wintle

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

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The amount you donate is up to you and we are grateful that so many people find value in the World of Playing Cards and want to sustain its future.