La Española Classic
‘La Española Classic’ is a traditional ‘La Española’ Spanish-suited pack and is produced in several sizes (standard, round, small and pocket).
‘La Española Classic’ by Gráfica 2001
‘La Española Classic’ is Gráfica 2001's traditional ‘La Española’ Spanish-suited pack based on the designs published by Igor Domicelj and Vigor S.R.L in the 1940s and 50s, which were in turn copied from ‘Naipes El Heraldo’ by Segundo de Olea. It is produced in four sizes (standard, round, pocket and small). The original logo can be seen on the Fours of Cups and Coins and the two Jokers. Several alternative Jokers have been published and in these cases the logos are omitted so packs appear to be completely anonymous. An alternative version named ‘Barcelonesa’ is also produced (see below). This style of pack is found with advertising backs and also as the basis of special editions with customised artwork (see example →)
Above: La Española Classic playing cards, Gráfica 2001's traditional Spanish-suited pack. The original logo can be seen on the fours of cups and coins and the two jokers. See also: Bayer Adalat Oros, 1999 • Jockey Club Cigarettes • Chevrolet • Visa • Inter-Continental Hotel, Buenos Aires►
There is also a version with elongated indices. In some instances the ‘La Española’ trademarks are omitted or custom Joker designs are used.
Above: advertising pack for Casinos de Misiones, based on "La Española 1946" designs with 2 special jokers and coin symbols substituted with with leopard heads.
Above: La Española Classic pattern for "Lo Jack lo tuyo es tuyo" with alternative jokers and elongated indices, 2005. 48 cards + 2 jokers in box. See also: Fernet Capri • Aventis Pasteur • Pago Fácil • Amanco • Pantene Pro-V • Sika►
Above: Naipes tipo español (Vigor Cádiz pattern) for San Lorenzo football club produced by Plastigal Juegos SRL, 2000. 48 cards + 2 jokers in box. Special jokers and logos on fours of cups and coins.
Above: budget grade edition produced anonymously for advertising, merchandising or distribution by third parties, such as Plastigal Juegos S.R.L. See also: ServiClub • Rexona►
The Joker in the above budget grade decks - harlequin jester with a tambourine - is a design formerly used in cards made in Hong Kong.
Above: Spanish Cádiz pattern by Gráfica 2001 for Xanax alprazolam, 2001.
Above: El Oráculo de la Bruja fortune-telling cards, c.2003.
‘Barcelonesa’ by Gráfica 2001
A similar deck is produced with the brand name ‘Barcelonesa’, the same as the above example except with a different logo on the Fours of Coins and Cups and Jokers, based on a brand originally published during the 1950s.
Above: Barcelonesa playing cards, an alternative brand of Gráfica 2001's traditional Spanish-suited pack. The original logo can be seen on the Fours of Cups and Coins and the two Jokers.
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By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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