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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.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Characters and scenes from the Disney film of the same name, on a pack made for Eastern Europe.
Jeu des Chats
Eighteen different cat breeds drawn by Marie-France Gary.
Novelty Playing Cards
Standard designs by M.F. Milward of Chicago, resembling those of Andrew Dougherty.
Specsavers playing cards
to help you see better when playing cards
Decorated pip cards from C.L.Wüst
Several Wüst patience packs with special pip cards
Isle of Man souvenir playing cards by Goodall & Son.
Two antique packs with scenic aces illustrating places on the Isle of Man.
Cryptic Cards
Cryptic cards created by Immy Smith, United Kingdom, 2017
FDR New Deal Deck
Facsimile of ‘FDR New Deal Deck’ of 1934 re-published by Bill Schroeder, USA, 2010.
Alice in Wonderland (Walt Disney Pictures version)
Alice in Wonderland playing cards produced in association with the film Alice in Wonderland by Walt ...
Collectors’ Playing Cards for Sale
Some interesting playing cards for sale.
Kuhn Khan and Cooncan: an update
Kuhn Khan and Cooncan are pretty much exactly the same rummy-style game, but packaged and presented ...
Cribbage Board Collection part 2
A collection of antique and vintage Cribbage Boards by Tony Hall, part 2
Whist marker boxes
The Camden Whist marker was being advertised by Goodall and son in 1872 as a new product.
Kimberley
Kimberley’s Royal National Patriotic playing cards, c.1892-1905.
A Motley Pack
A book titled “On The Cards” or “A Motley Pack” by Garnet Walch (1843-1913) was published in Melbour...
Luxuskarte No.75
Stylistically, the deck fits easily into the Dondorf “luxury card” group. The deck has been produced...
Hannelore Heise: “Essay” & “Gracia”
Two charming designs by Hannelore Heise from Germany.
D’Ye Ken John Peel
“D’Ye Ken John Peel” by Greta Games, Carlisle, c.1920.
A Goofy Movie
A Goofy Movie card game published by Heraclio Fournier, 1996.
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
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?
75: Early American cards
An overview of some of the early cards made in the United States.
Cotta Transformation playing cards
In 1804, J.G. Cotta, a publisher and bookseller in Tübingen, Germany, produced the first set of tran...
Bicycle Playing Cards, 1st edition
1st edition of famous Bicycle Playing Cards printed by Russell & Morgan Printing Co., Cincinnati, 18...
Trentine Pattern
Trentine Pattern
Art & Design
Design Caricatures Abstract Cartoon Celtic Deco Jugendstil Renaissance Rococo SurrealismThe 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.
Versailles
Sumptuous ‘Versailles’ playing cards created by Matéjà and printed by B. P. Grimaud, c.1970
Dilkhus playing cards for India
Van Genechten was one of the most competent cardmakers in Turnhout and they produced almost every ki...
Tarot of the Unknown
Inspired by the Halloween Cartoon “Over the Garden Wall”.
Newtropolis and the Fantastic Fur
Newtropolis and the Fantastic Fur: Heroes vs. Villains playing cards illustrated by Peter Wood, 2015...
Oracle, Divination & Tarot
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►
Joshi Bharát Tarot
A set of the major arcana created by an Indian fortune-teller living in Hungary.
Baraja Nefertiti
Mexican fortune-telling pack with black and white designs by Thania Nicolopulus.
TikTok Tarot
TikTok Tarot is a unique tarot deck that puts a modern spin on the Rider-Waite format; with TikTok-i...
Hip Hop Tarot
Hip Hop Tarot designed by Ben Gore and produced by Blue Monday Press brings a rap twist to a deck of...
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.
Hello Kitty
Waddington’s “Hello Kitty” themed deck produced in 2009.
Jeu des 7 Familles by J.J.F
“Jeu des 7 Familles” by Jeux et Jouets Français of Paris, 1904.
Snip Snap
Decimal Snap created by Eric Wagstaff, published by Michael Stanfield Holdings, London 1968.
Majas Alfabets Spel
Majas Alfabets Spel beautifully illustrated by Lena Andersson, 1980s.
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.
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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.
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
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