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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.

Mechanical Decks – Part 2

This article examines the Rough and Smooth principle in mechanical decks used in magic, detailing several types such as the Invisible, Brainwave, Split, and Nudist Decks. It explores their history and...

New bond playing cards
New bond playing cards

I have a pack of new bond playing cards with a fabric finish still inner...

Steve J Hall 9 hours ago • 0 Comments

Mechanical Decks – Part 2
Mechanical Decks – Part 2

This article examines the Rough and Smooth principle in mechanical decks used in magic, detailing several types such as the Invisible, Brainwave, Split, and Nudist Decks. It explores their history and...

Roy J Hopwood • 9 hours ago

Film Noir
Film Noir

A deck of 55 cards, celebrating hard boiled heroes, wise-cracking women, mean streets, guns and gumshoes!

Ian Taylor • 9 hours ago

Science Fiction
Science Fiction

A deck of 55 cards, celebrating a time when Science Fiction truly was, Science Fiction.

Ian Taylor • 9 hours ago

Absolut Deck
Absolut Deck

Promotional deck published for Absolut Vodka in Sweden.

Peter Burnett • Yesterday at 20:34

Lo Stampatore
Lo Stampatore

‘Lo Stampatore’ linocut images created by Sergio Favret, published as a deck of cards by Editions Solleone / Vito Arienti in 1977.

Peter Burnett • Yesterday at 12:15

Les Saints Guérisseurs et Protecteurs
Les Saints Guérisseurs et Protecteurs

Healing and patron saints portrayed in paintings, manuscripts, altarpieces and statuary.

Roddy Somerville • Yesterday at 09:31

Bernard Dondorf
Bernard Dondorf

For an assignment I have to make a...

Jelte Jacops Yesterday at 07:25 • 0 Comments

Eroticartes
Eroticartes

I have a full set of the 1983 Fren...

Maria Yesterday at 07:08 • 0 Comments

Scenic Views of Australia
Scenic Views of Australia

54 different scenic views of Australia in full colour.

Roddy Somerville • 27 March 2024, 14:39

Alice in Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland collector’s edition with illustrations of characters from the film, published by Fournier, Spain, 2010.

Peter Burnett • 27 March 2024, 12:13

Ulysses a Vau-de-Ville
Ulysses a Vau-de-Ville

the James Joyce cards with drawings by Rosita Fanto.

Peter Burnett • 26 March 2024, 22:18

Kuzco, l’empereur mégalo
Kuzco, l’empereur mégalo

Notched cards featuring toys representing characters from the Disney film Kuzco, as offered by McDonald’s.

Roddy Somerville • 26 March 2024, 12:08

The Beatles playing cards
The Beatles playing cards

Two packs featuring photos of The Beatles issued by the same publisher in 2004 and 2005.

Roddy Somerville • 24 March 2024, 20:24

Nepali children
Nepali children

Photographs of Nepali children offering glimpses of joy, hope and the beauty of life.

Peter Burnett • 24 March 2024, 16:57

Women by Royo
Women by Royo

‘Women by Royo’ erotic playing cards published by Heraclio Fournier, Spain, 2001.

Peter Burnett • 24 March 2024, 11:21

Costume Playing Cards
Costume Playing Cards

Four centuries of costumes from the Costume Court at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Roddy Somerville • 23 March 2024, 14:15

Hilti I
Hilti I

Promotional pack for Hilti power tools, with courts in medieval costume and non-standard pips.

Roddy Somerville • 23 March 2024, 12:49

Monuments de Paris
Monuments de Paris

‘Monuments de Paris’ souvenir playing cards produced by Heraclio Fournier, c.1964.

Peter Burnett • 22 March 2024, 14:02

Transair
Transair

Humorous designs promoting Transair, a German charter flight operator.

Roddy Somerville • 22 March 2024, 12:05

Leonardo collection
Leonardo collection

Leonardo collection playing cards with drawings from his notebooks.

Peter Burnett • 21 March 2024, 18:09

Merz Pharma Skat
Merz Pharma Skat

Comic designs promoting Merz Pharma, a German drug company.

Roddy Somerville • 21 March 2024, 10:56

'Greetings from 1916'
'Greetings from 1916'

Hi all,I recently acquired a part deck of cards that I'm having r...

Andrew Larkman 21 March 2024, 02:41 • 2 Comments

Shakespearean Playing Cards
Shakespearean Playing Cards

Question about my Shakespearean deck: a note at the bottom of the Ace of...

Larry Snow 21 March 2024, 02:41 • 1 Comments

Unrecognized B. P. Grimaud deck
Unrecognized B. P. Grimaud deck

Hi I found this B. P. Grimaud deck but when I looked under the decks fou...

Joseph Vellutini 21 March 2024, 02:40 • 1 Comments

Cards
Cards

I can not same to find any information on these cards. if anybody has an...

Trina O'shea 21 March 2024, 02:39 • 0 Comments

Anonymous Spanish-suited cards
Anonymous Spanish-suited cards

Mi envio es por si pueden ayudar con informacion sobre el origen e histo...

RamDom 21 March 2024, 02:37 • 4 Comments

"Diamond" Jimmy Moran   Food for Kings
"Diamond" Jimmy Moran Food for Kings

Hi,I am trying to find out what year these cards were made and ho...

Christine Ivie 21 March 2024, 02:31 • 1 Comments

Lo Cartescacco / Chess playing cards
Lo Cartescacco / Chess playing cards

Playing cards designed by F. Romagnoli bringing together Chess and Bridge, Italy, c. 1981.

Peter Burnett • 20 March 2024, 18:05

escART, ec-ART, SKAT
escART, ec-ART, SKAT

Fully illustrated pack printed from etchings by Johannes Vennekamp.

Roddy Somerville • 20 March 2024, 10:46

Frauejass
Frauejass

‘Frauejass / le Jass au féminin’ designed by Susan Csomor, Switzerland, c. 1998.

Peter Burnett • 16 March 2024, 11:27

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



Sweetnotes playing cards

Heart-shaped cards with sweet notes on all the backs.

France, Champions du Monde 2018

Colour photographs of the World Cup-winning French football squad of 2018.

Algarve playing cards

Kings and Queens of Portugal between 1185 - 1279. by V. de J.J. Nunes , Lisbon, Portugal, 1977.

Dondorf related ephemera

A few items used for advertising or displaying Dondorf playing card products.

Playing cards for the Bombay Market

An interesting pack of playing cards with illustrated Indian aces made "Specially for the Bombay Mar...

Wüst Costumes Suisses No.93

Two version of a Swiss souvenir pack by C.L.Wúst

Singapore Trump

Singapore Trump

“Singapore Trump” playing cards designed by Yasuko Senshu.

Aces Playing Cards (2nd edition)

‘Aces Playing Cards’ collaborative art deck published by Zeixs, Cologne (2nd edition).

Russian Cities Coats-of-Arms

Russian Cities Coats-of-Arms

Rossiia / Municipal Coats-of-Arms of Russian Federation.

52: The Isle of Man

52: The Isle of Man

The Isle of Man has always been a tax haven within the British Isles and it has also had some intere...

58: Woolley & Co.

58: Woolley & Co.

The firm of Thomas Woolley lasted for many years from 1836-1904 in several different guises.

T. Drayton & Son

Bezique and Whist boxed sets by T. Drayton & Son, London, c.1875.

Progressive Whist Cards

Progressive Whist Cards

There are references to “progressive whist” or “whist drives” during the 19th and early years of the...

Cribbage Board Collection part 2

Cribbage Board Collection part 2

A collection of antique and vintage Cribbage Boards by Tony Hall, part 2

Karl Gerich No.16: “Patience Indien”

Karl Gerich's “Patience Indien No.16”, published in 1991, is adapted from Grimaud's “Whist Indienne”...

No.6 Austrian

This early Gerich work is an adaptation of the English pattern with continental stylisation. The dou...

Cashmere

Bernhard Altmann is from the “The House of Cashmere” and these playing cards honour their best known...

The ‘Rinker’ Snap

The ‘Rinker’ Snap

The ‘Rinker’ highly amusing snap game, c.1910.

Touring

Touring Automobile card game published by Wallie Dorr Company, NY, in c.1920.

Picture Proverbs

Picture Proverbs was a Victorian card game illustrating popular proverbs which were seen as words of...

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?


1584 Toledo, 1584

Toledo, 1584

Archaic Spanish-suited deck with 48 cards made in Toledo in 1584.

1832 German Saxon Pattern

German Saxon Pattern

The German Saxon Pattern or “Schwerdter Karte”.

1786 Pedro Varangot, 1786

Pedro Varangot, 1786

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

Early English Playing Cards

Early English Playing Cards

Early examples of traditional, standard English playing cards of which the best known are those of H...


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.


1960 Jacob’s Bible Cards

Jacob’s Bible Cards

Jacob’s Bible Cards published by Lion Playing Cards Factory Ltd, Tel Aviv, since mid-1950s.

2001 Mickey Mouse y Amigos

Mickey Mouse y Amigos

“Mickey Mouse y Amigos” Spanish-suited pack mimicking Fournier’s Castilian pattern, 2001

2004 Monsters

Monsters

A collective of artists known as Monster Illustration produced a deck entitled “Monsters” in 2004.

1998 Baraja Asescoin 1998

Baraja Asescoin 1998

Asescoin 1998 member’s pack designed by Josep Soriano.


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


1999 Russell Grant tarot

Russell Grant tarot

Russell Grant astro-tarot with optimistic and motivational illustrations by Kay Smith.

1972 Thoth Tarot – Aleister Crowley Tarot

Thoth Tarot – Aleister Crowley Tarot

Aleister Crowley Tarot – the sombre luminary – Crowley and Lady Freda Harris worked on the illustrat...

Conjuring and Magic

Conjuring and Magic

The art of mystifying people is very old indeed. The first conjurers were priests who obtained power...

1989 Il Vostro Destino

Il Vostro Destino

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


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.


1930 Farmyard Snap

Farmyard Snap

“Farmyard Snap” designed by A. E. Kennedy and published by C. W. Faulkner & Co., c.1930

2016 Paw Patrol

Paw Patrol

Paw Patrol Jumbo Playing Cards by Cardinal 2016.

Happy Families

Happy Families

Happy Families is probably one of the most popular card games ever invented, with educational benefi...

1940 Vacuation

Vacuation

“Vacuation” published by Pepys games, based on the evacuation of children to Reception Areas in the ...

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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If you have an interesting perspective, idea, theory, opinion, observation, or how-to guide related to playing cards that you’d like to share, then fill in the form below.

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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.