Japan
Piatnik’s tribute to Japanese history.
Japan’s fascinating history is celebrated by Piatnik’s No. 2143, an early version of the country decks the manufacturer would publish in the 1990s and 2000s. The courts displays emperors, queens, and warriors in rich blacks and purples alongside gentle pastels. The case contains the word “Japan” in kanji characters as well as in an English font resembling Japanese calligraphy. The accompanying brochure says the cards’ designer had lived in the country and has a Japanese wife.
Japan (No. 2143) historical playing cards published by Piatnik, Vienna, 1975, the 1990s and 2000s.
Three Kabuki actors are the jokers, while the backs contain stylized flower designs.
The brochure lays out a timeline of Japanese history, with signs for the court cards inserted throughout. I think it’s an attempt to explain which period a particular card is supposed to represent, but it’s a bit confusing.
See here for a modern deck exploring Okinawan culture.
By Lev Golinkin
United States • Member since May 26, 2026
I'm a US-based author and journalist. I've been collecting playing cards since I was about 8 years old, when I got mesmerized by the various decks that were used in Soviet Ukraine, where I'm from. I collect mainly European decks such as those by Dondorf, Grimaud, and Piatnik. I love courts above all else, and am drawn toward historical and artistic decks.
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