Vorarlberg Büschel Jasskarten

Published November 26, 2025 • Updated November 28, 2025

“Vorarlberg Büschel Jasskarten” designed by Austrian artist and typographer Konrad Hämmerle.

These delightfully decorative, full-length German-suited playing cards were designed by Konrad Hämmerle in 2019 for the 36-card Swiss-Vorarlberg version of the game Jass, in the westernmost alpine region of Austria. The illustrations are bright, clean-lined and inspired by folk-art traditions. In-keeping with the medieval origins of playing cards, the kings portray historical dukes and duchesses, named beneath each figure, the obers show figures from the aristocracy whilst the unters show everyday peasants. The four aces depict pigs (sau). Thus the indices are S, U, O and K whilst the colour-coded suits are acorns, bells, hearts and leaves. The charming designs also include local landmarks, traditions and folk costumes • See the box

“Vorarlberg Büschel Jasskarten” designed by artist and typographer Konrad Hämmerle from Vorarlberg, printed by Ferd. Piatnik in Vienna, 2019.

Above: “Vorarlberg Büschel Jasskarten” designed by artist and typographer Konrad Hämmerle from Vorarlberg, printed by Piatnik in Vienna, 2019. 36 cards in tuckbox.

The artist says : one thing that clearly sets my deck apart from the Salzburg pattern is that the kings, obers and unters include both men and women. This was important to me as I wanted to reflect equality in the design. Konrad also created a custom typeface for the lettering. Further details are at www.jasskarten.at►

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By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996

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.