Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first became a part of popular culture, perhaps seen as a miniature model of the universe. Over the centuries packs of cards, in all shapes and sizes, have been used for games, gambling, education, conjuring, advertising, fortune telling, political messages or the portrayal of national or ethnic identity. Their popularity is undoubtedy due to the imaginative artwork and graphic design which is sometimes overlooked, and the “then & now” of how things have changed.
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Kinney Transparent Cards
• September 22, 2018 at 10:00amKinney Bros Transparent playing cards with hidden images and fortunes, c.1890. Read more →
Red Sea
• September 19, 2018 at 12:24pmRed Sea fish identification cards published in several languages by Horus of Egypt, 2005. Read more →
Emoticon
• September 18, 2018 at 05:36pmEmoticon playing cards designed by Buy Design Studios, 2016. Read more →
Little Grey Rabbit
• September 12, 2018 at 05:39pmLittle Grey Rabbit illustrated by Margaret Tempest, 1954. Read more →
Folklore No.169
• September 11, 2018 at 08:40pmAustrian Folklore deck first published by Piatnik in 1934. Read more →
Happy Families of the World
• September 11, 2018 at 02:40pmHappy Families of the World published by Pepys Games, 1963. Read more →
Baraja Turística de España
• September 02, 2018 at 11:04amBaraja Turística de España by Heraclio Fournier, 1966. Read more →
Davenol Cough Linctus
• August 24, 2018 at 10:41amDavenol Cough Linctus Happy Families published by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Read more →
Have A Go
• August 21, 2018 at 10:36amHave A Go card game published by Photo-Briton Ltd featuring photographs of waxwork figures from Madame Tussaud’s, c.1950. Read more →
Goal Fußball Spielkarten
• August 17, 2018 at 11:11am“Goal” Fußball Spielkarten manufactured by Ferd. Piatnik & Söhne Wien, c1930s. Read more →
Editor’s Picks
Playing cards have enormous educational value, with a long history and many diverse types and graphical styles from around the world... View More →
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